An Arab city welcomes autumn in the midst of summer

Arabia Weather - When we mention “the Gulf” and “summer” together, we immediately think of the bright sun, scorching temperatures, desert, and high humidity. However, the situation is completely different when we arrive in the Sultanate of Oman, specifically the Dhofar Governorate.

Khareef season in Dhofar

Dhofar Governorate in Oman, especially the city of Salalah, is a distinctive tourist destination for visitors from all over the Gulf region during the “khareef” season, which is considered the peak tourist season in the summer.

• The nature of the "autumn" season

From June until mid-September, the nature in Dhofar transforms amazingly as the land blossoms with green meadows thanks to the southwest monsoon winds that blow during the summer and result in a seasonal phenomenon known locally as “khareef”, where the mountainous areas are covered with fog. It witnesses seasonal rainfall, which helps in the growth of plants, the flow of valleys, and the formation of waterfalls. This transformation transforms the barren desert landscape into a charming green oasis.

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Reasons why summer turns into “autumn” in Salalah

There are several factors that make summer seem like “khareef” in Dhofar Governorate:

1. Deflection of the monsoon winds towards the Arabian Sea: This occurs as a result of the topographic nature of the mountains of Somalia and Ethiopia.
2. Water updraft phenomenon: This phenomenon causes a thermal difference between the warm monsoon winds and the cold water surface.
3. Wind collision with mountains: It causes the air to rise and water vapor to condense, forming low clouds.

This unique combination of natural factors makes Dhofar a green oasis in the heart of summer, making it an attractive tourist destination for local residents and visitors from the Gulf countries seeking refuge from the intense summer heat.

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