This year Doha residents experienced quite a long, anxious wait for the season's rains. It seemed that while other parts of Qatar witnessed thundery rains, Doha was left out, despite several forecasts indicating chances of the downpour over the past month.

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Weather update: The visibility has dropped and we’re expecting rain in some areas of #Qatar. Guard yourselves from the strong winds and dust storm. Be safe out there, especially if you’re driving. Are you looking forward to some rain this week? ? @caaqatar @qatarweather #QatarLiving #Doha #QatarRain #doharain

A post shared by Qatar Living (@qatarliving) on Nov 10, 2019 at 2:06am PST

Today, the wait is over! Doha residents are rejoicing the first shower of blessing upon the city this season.

It’s finally here!
The rain has begun to fall around Doha.
Download the @CAAQATAR #Qweather app to stay up to date with the latest forecast. Find it on your App Store and stay safe this rainy season.#QLWeather #Qatar#QatarLiving pic.twitter.com/LZwrvyuQqc

— Qatar Living (@qatarliving) November 10, 2019

Different parts of the city and surrounding areas are currently experiencing heavy rainfall. As much delight as the rain brings, with most people wanting to hit the roads, it is important to stay safe.

Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has warned the public to be cautious and follow safety precautions during this much-anticipated rainy weather. The authority has warned people to not engage in marine activities in this wet weather with high tides.

‼️ Thunderstorms detected close to Doha and some central/southern areas. Please be careful and follow attached safety tips. #Qatar pic.twitter.com/lv1sK5Snu4

— أرصاد قطر (@Qatar_Weather) November 10, 2019

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 Here are some safety tips of driving in the rains, issued by the Ministry of Interior (MoI):

- As rain falls, it creates slick conditions that are perfect for skids. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tire’s tread to make contact with the road, which leads to better traction.

- It takes about three times longer to brake on wet roads than on dry ones. Hence it is important not to tailgate as more distance is required to brake. So keep a little more than two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.

- In case the car’s windscreen becomes misty, one should run the air-conditioner to clear it for better visibility.

- Avoid using hazard lights while driving in the rain.

- Ensure your windshield wipers are working properly. They shouldn’t streak and should completely clear the windscreen in one swipe. If they don’t, replace them immediately. You do not want to be driving in heavy rain if you can’t see the road properly.

- In case of heavy winds, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, especially in open places, so that even if you feel your car swaying, it is in your control.

- Do not drive fast or your tyres may lose traction with the surface of the road and your steering wheel may feel light. This is called hydroplaning. To gain back traction, slowly release your foot from the accelerator without braking and let your speed go down until you regain steering wheel control again.

- Another reason to drive slower in the rain is so you don’t shower pedestrians or those on bicycles or motorbikes with water.

- Watch out for vehicles that are big or traveling at fast speeds because they may cause a water spray that will reduce visibility.

- When driving in the rain, try to keep a gap of up to six seconds from the car in front because the road may be slippery and you must maintain a safe stopping distance.

- It’s very important that the tire tread depth and inflation are in perfect working condition because when driving in rain, a good grip of the tires on the road is a necessity.

- All rear and front car lights must be working properly in case the sky turns dark and you need to use them

- Avoid using the cruise control feature fitted in most new cars during the rain because even though they work well in dry weather, you may lose vehicle control in wet weather. If cruise control is on, you may lose traction and may not be able to reduce the car’s speed by releasing pressure on the accelerator slowly.

- If your car breaks down in heavy rain, do not keep the bonnet open as you risk damage to the car’s electrical system.

The Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) had also issued an advisory on how to stay safe and use electrical items properly during rains: