KUWAIT: Large, low-lying cloud formations covered wide areas of Kuwait City’s skyline, appearing close to buildings and creating a calm yet imposing atmosphere that gave the city a distinctive visual stillness. As typically seen in winter, dense cloud masses gathered over towers and streets, at times seeming to touch buildings, transforming Kuwait City into a dramatic and visually striking cloudy landscape.
The country is currently experiencing cloudy weather accompanied by rainfall, with heavier rain expected in some areas and intensifying after Thursday afternoon, along with chances of fog and reduced visibility. Acting Director of the Meteorology Department Dharar Al-Ali said weather maps and numerical models show the country will be affected by an extension of a surface low-pressure system from the southwest, deepening gradually in conjunction with an upper-level low-pressure system and a cold, moist air mass. This will lead to an increase in low- and mid-level clouds, including cumulonimbus clouds.
He said scattered rain is expected, sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms of varying intensity from light to moderate, gradually increasing and possibly becoming heavy at times over southern and coastal areas after Thursday afternoon. Rain chances will continue until Friday morning, with reduced visibility during rainfall and fog formation in some areas during evening and morning hours.
Winds are expected to be southeasterly to variable, light to moderate at times, becoming active intermittently and causing higher sea waves. Maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 15 and 19 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures will range between 7 and 11 degrees Celsius. Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve from Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Kuwait Fire Force has called on desert visitors to exercise caution and adhere to preventive measures and safety requirements during the camping season to protect lives and property. Director of Public Relations and Media at KFF Brig Mohammad Al-Gharib said choosing safe camping locations is one of the most important safety factors, stressing the need to avoid flood channels and sources of danger, ensure the safety of electrical connections and use lighting and heating equipment designed for outdoor use.
He emphasized that fires should only be lit in designated areas and must be fully extinguished before sleeping or leaving the campsite. He warned against using stoves inside tents or enclosed spaces due to the danger of carbon monoxide emissions, which can lead to suffocation and death, especially when doors and windows are closed.
Al-Gharib also stressed the need to monitor children and not leave them near fire sources, comply with official instructions, and remain cautious amid changing weather conditions that may contribute to the spread of fires. He advised campers to stay away from ground cracks that may shelter insects, rodents and venomous reptiles, maintain cleanliness at campsites, remove dry grass and avoid camping near power towers.
He noted that during the 2024 camping season, the Fire Force handled 61 campsite fires, most of which resulted from failure to follow safety measures. He added that the fire force has launched its “Camp Safely” awareness campaign and continues inspection and awareness tours at camping sites. He confirmed the readiness of firefighting teams around the clock and urged the public to report emergencies via the 112 hotline. – KUNA
