Saturday 24 / January / 2026
MUSCAT: The sudden nip in the air across the Sultanate has signalled the peak of winter, prompting residents to stock up on warm clothing — much to the delight of garment traders.
With temperatures dropping sharply in several parts of the country, people in Oman are wasting no time considering their winter wardrobes. Markets and shopping centres are witnessing increased demand for woollens, jackets, shawls and other cold-weather accessories.
For traders, the winter spell has brought a seasonal boost.
Many merchants say December and January remain the best months for sales, as residents prepare to cope with falling temperatures.
An Indian expat Sudhir Agrawal, who was shopping for winter wear for his 20-year-old son, said children’s preferences also play a role in buying decisions. “Sunny loves cartoons so much that he wants them on everything. Even sweaters are not spared. I am looking for something that will make him happy and also be of good quality,” she said.
Merchants noted a sharp rise in the sale of woollen garments and accessories, with residents opting for layered clothing to counter the cold.
Alongside winter wear, demand for heaters, charcoal and firewood has also increased, especially in interior areas.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), through the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, has warned that the Sultanate is currently under the influence of a cold air mass, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures and increased wind activity across most governorates.
According to the authority, the cold conditions began on Thursday and are expected to continue over the coming days, with temperatures forecast to fall further, accompanied by active to occasionally strong winds.
Several areas recorded significantly low temperatures over the past 24 hours. Jebel Shams registered the lowest temperature in the country at –2.1°C on Thursday, January 22, 2026, marking one of the coldest readings of the season.
On Saturday, Saiq recorded 6.3°C, 6.8°C at Jebel Shams, 10.1°C in Yanqul, 7.3°C in Thumrait, and 8.6°C in Muqshin.
Meteorologists attributed the drop to seasonal cold air masses affecting the region — a typical winter phenomenon.
In addition, the CAA has forecast unstable weather conditions on Sunday and Monday, January 25–26, with cloud movement expected across parts of the Sultanate. The situation may lead to scattered rainfall, particularly over Musandam Governorate and coastal areas overlooking the Sea of Oman.
Authorities have urged residents to follow official weather updates and exercise caution, especially in areas prone to water accumulation.
