Brief
Oman expects wetter northern regions and hotter temperatures as El Niño strengthens
The Civil Aviation Authority and the National Multi‑Hazard Early Warning Centre say El Niño will boost rainfall in northern Oman and keep temperatures above normal into December.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Muscat – Oman is bracing for wetter‑than‑usual conditions in its northern regions and higher temperatures across the country in the coming months, according to a seasonal outlook issued by the Civil Aviation Authority and a report from the National Multi‑Hazard Early Warning Centre.
What happened
The outlook projects above‑average rainfall across northern Oman in October and November, while temperatures nationwide are expected to stay above normal through December. The National Multi‑Hazard Early Warning Centre’s September 2026‑May 2027 report says El Niño is likely to strengthen, reaching its peak in November and December.
What the reports add
The centre notes that coastal areas along the Arabian Sea are forecast to receive below‑average rainfall in October, and that December rainfall will be close to seasonal averages elsewhere, though the north may remain wetter. It also stresses that the forecast reflects a combination of regional and global climate patterns, not El Niño alone, and should not be taken as a prediction of specific storms.
What was said
The Oman News Agency, citing the centre, said El Niño “is likely to strengthen in the coming months, reaching its peak in November and December.” The centre added that historical records show El Niño periods have produced rainfall 20 % above normal between September and November, rising to 31 % between December and February and 54 % between March and May.
How it came about
Past El Niño episodes, such as 1997‑1998 and 2015‑2016, brought heavy rainfall to Oman. In March 1997, the centre recorded 86 mm of rain compared with a long‑term average of 14.8 mm. A similar severe spell occurred in March 2016. The current outlook uses these historical trends to help forecasters assess potential conditions alongside other climate indicators.
Key facts
- The Civil Aviation Authority forecasts above‑average rainfall in northern Oman for October and November. (gulfnews.com)
- Temperatures across Oman are expected to remain higher than normal through December. (gulfnews.com)
- The National Multi‑Hazard Early Warning Centre expects El Niño to peak in November and December. (gulfnews.com)
- Historical El Niño periods raised Oman's rainfall by 20‑54 % depending on the season. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “El Niño to bring above-average rainfall and extreme weather risks to Oman in coming months”
