Weather in Saḩam al Kaffārāt

Introduction

Saham, located in the Al Batinah North Governorate of Oman, is a unique location characterized by its distinctive climate and weather patterns. This post explores the city's climatic conditions, weather variations and what you can expect throughout the year.

Geographical Location

Saham is a coastal town situated on the northeastern coast of Oman. It lies approximately 12 kilometers south of Sohar and is nestled between the Gulf of Oman to the north and a mountain range to the south. Its geographical position greatly influences its weather patterns, creating a blend of maritime and desert climates.

Climate Overview

Saham is considered to be a desert city. The town experiences a hot desert climate, also known as a 'BWh' climate under the Köppen-Geiger classification system. This climate is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year with minimal rainfall.

Weather Patterns

The weather in Saham varies throughout the year, with two primary seasons: a hot season and a cooler season.

Hot Season

The hot season in Saham runs from May to September. During this time, the town experiences its highest temperatures, with average highs often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The heat can be intense, particularly in the peak months of June, July, and August.

Cooler Season

The cooler season runs from October to April. During this period, the temperatures drop significantly, providing a respite from the intense summer heat. The average high temperature during this season is around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), with lows often dropping to around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.

Annual Rainfall and Humidity

The desert climate of Saham means that the town experiences minimal rainfall. The majority of the precipitation falls during the cooler season, particularly in January and February. The average annual rainfall in Saham is approximately 100 millimeters (3.94 inches).

Despite the low rainfall, Saham can have high levels of humidity due to its coastal location. This can make the heat feel more intense, particularly during the hot season.

Wind and Weather Events

Wind patterns in Saham are influenced by the seasonal shifts. Winds from the north bring cooler air during the cooler season, while the summer months see more southerly winds, which can bring hotter conditions.

Saham can occasionally be affected by tropical cyclones, particularly during the cyclone season which runs from April to November. However, these events are relatively rare.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Saham offers a unique climate characterized by its hot desert conditions, high seasonal temperatures, and low rainfall. Its coastal location adds an element of humidity to the air, creating a distinctive blend of maritime and desert climates. While the heat may be intense during the summer months, the cooler season offers a pleasant respite with milder temperatures and the rare, yet welcome, rainfall.

References

• Climate-Data.org. (n.d.). Climate: Saham. Retrieved from https://en.climate-data.org/asia/oman/al-batinah-north-governorate/saham-631776/
• World Weather Online. (n.d.). Saham Monthly Climate Averages. Retrieved from https://www.worldweatheronline.com/saham-weather-averages/al-batinah/om.aspx
• Meteoblue. (n.d.). Weather Saham. Retrieved from https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/forecast/modelclimate/saham_oman_287647