Drop in temperatures, rain forecast this week

AMMAN — The Kingdom is expected to witness “fluctuating” weather conditions over the next few days, with a possibility of rainfall later this week, meteorologists said on Saturday.

The weather is forecast to remain generally warm on Sunday, with temperatures reaching a maximum of around 15°C in the capital, however a “significant” drop is expected on Monday, Arabiaweather.com Chief Meteorologist Omar Dajani told The Jordan Times.

“Strong dust-laden winds coming from Egypt will prevail Monday and Tuesday,” he said, expecting rainfall in the northern and possibly central regions on Tuesday night through Wednesday.

Mercury levels in the capital will be around 10°C during the day and drop to 3°C at night on Monday, according to Arabiaweather.com.

Dajani warned of low visibility due to dust, urging individuals with pulmonary diseases and those who have recently undergone eye surgery to exercise caution.

He said the Kingdom will not witness snowfall this week, stressing that the dynamic nature of the atmosphere necessitates that meteorologists do not give long-term forecasts.

Highlighting the availability and accessibility of online meteorological maps, Dajani noted that those interested in this science can enhance their knowledge by detecting changes in the atmosphere.

But the problem is when social media users with large numbers of followers spread “unclear” information as news “with exaggeration”, he said, attributing such actions to the desire to increase traffic on their websites.

“Forecasters must verify the information before publishing any forecasts out of respect for their audience,” he added over the phone.

It is up to the public to sense the inaccuracy or unlikelihood of exaggerated weather forecasts, Dajani said.

Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) Director General Mohammad Samawi agreed, citing the spread of “unlicensed” websites offering weather information as a factor contributing to the circulation of “inaccurate” information.

“The JMD does not publish forecasts for a period exceeding four days,” Samawi told The Jordan Times, noting that the department has nothing to do with such websites.

Samawi said “profit-driven” websites tend to use “unrealistic yet catchy” headlines, but the content of the news story tends to be “fake”.