Thundery rains, strong winds, and even hail is expected to hit some parts of Qatar over the day, according to a weather announcement by Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) on its official Twitter page.

While this weather may bring joy to many of us, it is important to remember to avoid going out to public places or come together in large crowds.

This is all the more significant under current circumstances as relevant authorities are working above and beyond to take necessary measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and ensure the safety of the population.

Based on the weather report QMD issued yesterday, offshore, weather will be partly cloudy to cloudy with a chance of scattered rain that maybe thundery at times.

The rains may be accompanied by strong winds and high sea, the department warned.

حالة الطقس المتوقعة ليوم السبت ٢٠٢٠/٣/٢١#قطر ⁠⁠

Weather forecast For Saturday
21/3/2020 pic.twitter.com/ziVtN7dXfx

— أرصاد قطر (@Qatar_Weather) March 20, 2020

The department has reminded citizens and residents to be particularly vigilant and follow the following safety measures during thunderstorms:

- Stay indoors

- Stay away from open water

- Avoid standing on roofs, or near high trees and electric poles

- If you happen to be inside a car, make sure you keep the windows closed

The Department has also urged everyone to avoid any sea-related activities during this weather to ensure their safety.

Many parts of the country have been witnessing such weather, including hail for the last few days. 

‼️يرجى الحذر
حيث تشهد المناطق الجنوبية من البلاد و خاصة الجنوبية الشرقية منها تساقط غزير لحبات البرد مصحوب برياح قوية السرعة.#قطر pic.twitter.com/VuPKE3legE

— أرصاد قطر (@Qatar_Weather) March 21, 2020

Here are some important tips from an earlier advisory issued by the Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) on how to use electrical items safely during rains: