Kuwait experienced significant disruptions in its air travel on Thursday due to thick fog, which led the Public Authority for Civil Aviation to divert several incoming flights to neighboring countries. The fog, caused by saturated southeasterly winds blowing over the Gulf, brought high humidity that condensed into fog due to low temperatures, covering most of Kuwait. According to the Kuwait Meteorological Department, the fog is expected to return over the next three days, accompanied by scattered showers.
## Impact of Fog on Air Travel
The dense fog significantly reduced visibility to less than 100 meters early on Thursday, making it difficult for planes to take off or land. The Met Office issued a warning for Thursday night and Friday morning, stating that visibility is expected to be less than 1,000 meters in some areas due to fog. The acting head of the Meteorological Department, Dherar Al-Ali, noted that fog is likely to form overnight in several areas between Thursday and Sunday, accompanied by scattered rain.
### Temperature Fluctuations
The Met Office recorded a low of 6 degrees Celsius in Salmi on the Saudi border at dawn on Thursday, the lowest temperature in Kuwait so far this winter season. Temperatures in other areas ranged from 12 degrees in desert areas to 22 degrees in Salmiya. Al-Ali explained that the country is affected by an extension of a high-pressure system from the northwest, accompanied by a cold and humid air mass, causing temperatures to drop gradually.
## Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days
On Thursday, the weather was warm, humid, and partly cloudy, with variable to southeasterly winds ranging from 6 to 26 km/h and a chance of fog in some areas. The maximum temperature was between 29°C and 31°C, and the sea was slight with waves of 1-3 feet. At night, the weather turned cool, humid, and partly cloudy, with southeasterly to variable winds of 8-28 km/h and a chance of fog. The minimum temperature was between 10°C and 12°C.
### Forecast Details for Friday and Saturday
For Friday, the forecast indicates warm, humid, and partly cloudy weather during the day, with variable to southeasterly winds of 8-28 km/h and chances of scattered rain and fog in the evening. The maximum temperature will be between 29°C and 31°C, and the sea will be slight to moderate. At night, it will be cool, humid, and partly cloudy, with southeasterly to variable winds and chances of fog and scattered rain. On Saturday, the weather is expected to be warm and humid, especially along coastal areas, with a chance of scattered rain and evening fog. The minimum temperature will drop to between 9°C and 11°C.
## Preparing for the Weather
Residents and travelers should be prepared for the fluctuating weather conditions, with temperatures varying significantly between day and night. The Met Office’s warnings and forecasts will be crucial in helping people plan their activities and travel accordingly. As Kuwait navigates these weather changes, staying informed about the latest weather updates will be essential.
In conclusion, Kuwait is facing a period of foggy and cool weather, significantly impacting air travel and daily activities. With the Met Office’s forecasts indicating the continuation of such weather conditions over the next few days, it is advisable for residents and travelers to stay updated on the weather to plan accordingly. The fluctuating temperatures and chances of scattered rain and fog will require careful planning to ensure safety and convenience.
