Climate

Qatar has a long summer (June through September), which is characterised by intense heat and alternating dryness and humidity, with temperatures exceeding 55°C. Temperatures are moderate from November through May, although winter temperatures may fall to 17° C, which is relatively cool for the latitude.

Rainfall is negligible, averaging 10 cm per year, confined to the winter months, and falling in brief, sometimes heavy storms that often flood the small ravines and the usually dry wadis. Sudden, violent dust storms occasionally descend on the peninsula, blotting out the sun, causing wind damage, and momentarily disrupting transport and other services.