Public urged to avoid sun exposure as temperatures soar

AMMAN — The Civil Defence Department (CDD) on Sunday urged the public to avoid sun exposure on Monday, when maximum temperatures in the capital are forecast to hit the upper 30s.

The CDD advised those who work in the agricultural and construction sectors, to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, particularly around noon, wear personal protective equipment and drink lots of water and liquids to prevent dehydration.

In a statement e-mailed to The Jordan Times, the CDD also called on mothers to monitor their children’s vital signs, especially body temperature, and to remind them to frequently drink water. 

In addition, they should ensure that there is good ventilation in the house, the CDD statement said.

In light of the forecast high temperatures, people are advised to wear light and loose clothes as well as hats and sunglasses to avoid sunstrokes.

Also on Sunday, the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) called on street cleaners to avoid sun exposure and urged them not to work during the noon hours in order to prevent sunstrokes and health problems resulting from high temperatures.

The municipality's teams will distribute water to street cleaners as well as workers in parks and gardens, a GAM statement said.

Temperatures in Amman are expected to reach a high of 38°C and drop to a low of 23°C on Monday as the impact of a seasonal depression and a hot air mass prevails, according to the Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD).

The hot air mass, originating from the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, started affecting the Kingdom on Saturday, JMD weather forecaster Abdul Nasser Samhouri said on Sunday.

“Temperatures today will be six degrees above their annual average of 32.5°C for this time of the year. The weather will be very hot and dry across the country, with northeasterly to northwesterly winds,” Samhouri told The Jordan Times over the phone.

The meteorologist noted that the impact of the hot air mass and the extension of the seasonal depression is expected to gradually start receding on Tuesday, stressing that temperatures will still be above the annual average.

Temperatures in the capital will range between a maximum of 36°C during the day and a minimum of 23°C during the night, while winds will be northwesterly moderate to brisk at times.

Another slight drop in mercury levels is expected on Wednesday, when the weather will be relatively hot, with temperatures ranging between a high of 35°C and a low of 21°C in the capital.

“On Thursday and Friday, temperatures will continue to drop, reaching around 34°C,” Samhouri said.