Heat, humidity dampen Eid outdoor celebrations
Qatar’s first day of Eid celebrations was dampened by hot and humid weather conditions that forced a large number of people to stay indoors and to cancel or postpone their plans to visit the desert and beach areas.
“The Eid holiday is a great opportunity for people to relax and go out with the family and friends, but it was very hot outside and we postponed our plan to drive to Sealine [resort],” a Filipino resident said, quoted by Qatari daily The Peninsula.
With temperatures in the 40s degrees Celsius, the day was also cloudy, with some dust in the air.
“We planned to go to the Al Fuwarit beach, but it was very warm during the day and humidity was high,” Mohammad Samsudeen, another resident was quoted as saying.
“This could be worse at the beach and the children would feel uncomfortable, so we postponed the plan, hoping the weather will turn friendly.”
Traditionally, people plan outdoor activities that include seaside or desert trips or long drives.
Overnight outing at the beach
Many choose an overnight outing at any of the beaches in the country and either reserve rooms in beach hotels or camp in open areas near the beaches for swimming, crabbing, fishing, boat rides. Those who prefer the desert seek to enjoy dune bashing.
But the weather conditions have disappointed many families.
“Going to the sea and desert is the biggest option we have during any holiday. This time it’s very hot, so we have decided not to go on long drives. But if the weather becomes less harsh we might go to a beach,” said Rajani Nair, a resident.
For Aisha, a housewife, the best time to go out and beat the humidity and heat is during the night.
Shopping malls
“But we are also looking at activities at shopping malls, souqs and places like the cultural village,” she said.
The Doha Corniche and shopping malls were major attractions for Qatari and expatriate families that braved the difficult weather conditions on the first day of Eid Al Fitr and many and thronged the Al Bida family park opposite the Corniche, the daily said.
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/qatar/heat-humidity-dampen-eid-outdoor-celebrations-1.859493
