Oman may see wetter winter amid El Niño activity

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman may experience a relatively wet and fertile winter season from October 2026 through May 2027, as current indicators point to continued El Niño activity during the coming months, according to Abdullah Al Khadouri, Director General of Meteorology at Oman’s Directorate General of Meteorology.Al Khadouri explained that El Niño is a climatic phenomenon that occurs in the Pacific Ocean and can influence weather patterns in many parts of the world, including Oman. He said that the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, in coordination with the meteorological authorities and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, is currently preparing a national report on El Niño, examining the phenomenon and its potential effects on Oman in detail.The report will assess the expected weather impacts and provide forecasts and relevant information to the concerned authorities as well as members of the public, he added.Al Khadouri noted that previous studies have examined the relationship between El Niño events and weather conditions in Oman, particularly during the winters of 1982–83, 1997–98 and 2015–16.He explained that statistical studies of historical rainfall events indicate an indirect relationship between El Niño and the winter weather systems affecting Oman, particularly the winter depressions that typically influence the Sultanate between October and May.“God willing, we are optimistic about a fertile winter season,” Al Khadouri said, noting that the current indicators are based on the anticipated activity of El Niño during the coming period.He stressed, however, that El Niño indicators do not constitute a definitive forecast, but rather provide an indication of possible weather patterns that should be taken into consideration.Al Khadouri called for early preparedness in the event that the anticipated conditions materialise, noting that the national report being prepared by the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre will provide a more comprehensive assessment of the phenomenon and its potential impacts on Oman.The expected conditions could include heavy rainfall and increased activity of winter weather systems during the period extending from October 2026 to May 2027, subject to the development and evolution of weather patterns.The upcoming national assessment is expected to provide a clearer picture of the potential impacts of El Niño on Oman and support early preparedness and coordination among the relevant authorities.