Heatwave to peak Monday as temperatures soar 11 degrees above average

AMMAN — Temperatures this week will rise 11°C above their annual average for this time of the year, as the season's first heatwave takes hold of the country, a meteorologist said on Saturday.

The heatwave, which started affecting the country on Saturday, is caused by multiple factors, including a hot air mass affecting northern Saudi Arabia, in addition to cold weather in Europe and northern Africa that has pushed hot air in the Sahara towards the country.

"The heatwave will push temperatures to their upper thirties in Amman and will bring very hot and dry weather. It will peak on Monday and start to gradually subside on Tuesday evening," Amer Armoush, a forecaster at the Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD), told The Jordan Times over the phone.

Sunday's weather will be hot across the Kingdom and very hot in Aqaba, the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley, according to the JMD.

Winds will be southeasterly moderate and temperatures will reach a high of 36ºC and drop to 25ºC at nighttime in the capital.

"A further rise in temperatures is expected on Monday as the hot air mass peaks. Mercury levels will exceed the annual average of 27ºC for this time of the year by 11 degrees," Armoush highlighted.

Temperatures during the day will be 38ºC, dropping to 26ºC at night in Amman, while winds will be southeasterly to southwesterly, turning at night to northwesterly moderate to brisk and raising dust in the desert, according to the JMD.

A drop of 6°C is forecast for Tuesday, according to Armoush, who said that the weather will be cooler, but temperatures will be 5°C above the annual average.

Moderate weather is forecast in mountainous areas, while it will be hot in the Dead Sea, Aqaba and the Jordan Valley, according to the department, which said that winds will be northwesterly moderate, changing to brisk in the afternoon and expected to raise dust in the badia.

Daytime temperatures will reach 32ºC, dropping to 24ºC at night in the capital, according to the JMD.

"A further drop in mercury levels is expected as of Wednesday, when temperatures will return back to their annual average," Armoush noted.

The department issued warnings to the public against direct sun exposure and also warned against possible reduced road visibility due to dust-raising winds in the badia.

During heatwaves, people are advised to avoid sun exposure between 11am and 5pm, especially in areas where it will exceed 40ºC such as the Dead Sea and Aqaba. In addition, people are advised to drink lots of liquids.

The Civil Defence Department (CDD) on Saturday also warned the public against direct sun exposure, stressing the need to avoid drinks containing caffeine or sugar, since they could cause dehydration.

In a statement, the CDD also urged people to wear light and loose garments, hats and sunglasses particularly those who work outdoors or are exposed to the sun.

Children should also be prevented from going outdoors during peak hours, the department said, warning against power overloads due to the use of air conditioners and fans.

In case of emergency, the CDD can be reached on 911.