Let's talk about the weather...

Unlike at home, it's not very often that the weather in Oman is a topic of conversation. Oman like other countries in the Middle East is famous for its extreme summers and the year round sunshine, but occasionally there is some reprieve from the intense heat and a day or two of rain will ensue.

This is celebrated by the local people with awe and excitement. Pretty much the same way us Brits treat a day of sunshine. In the same way that a single leaf on the railway line can bring an entire nation to a standstill, so can a single drop of rain. People will literally just stop their cars wherever they are and get out and take photographs.

We've had a couple of extreme weather warnings lately, with just last week the potential of cyclone Nilofar hitting our shores. Fortunately, the storm took a late turn away from the coast and all we were left with was a few dark clouds.

The most recent weather advisory was for last weekend, with a small chance of thunderstorms. This didn't sound like anything major, other than a potential inconvenience to the outdoor event I was organising.

Just before lunchtime the wind picked up and the heavens opened. However, it wasn't just the rains that came. It turns out that just a short drive up the road, parts of the country had a massive hailstorm and some parts even saw snow. I don't think I could have ever imagined Oman getting snow (outside of the mountains). I'm not even sure if the UK or Chicago has seen any snow yet this season.

I found these pictures online, so not sure on their authenticity, but the second one makes me smile.

 Never fear though, the sun was back out a couple of hours later!!