Effect of heatwave to start easing off Thursday — JMD

AMMAN — The heatwave that started affecting the Kingdom on Saturday, pushing temperatures to their upper thirties, is forecast to ease off starting Thursday, the Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) said Tuesday.

The heatwave is caused by a seasonal depression from the north of the Indian subcontinent and a thermal low originating from the Arabian Peninsula, a JMD meteorologist said.

“An upper trough will prevail as of Thursday, when temperatures will remain above their annual average for this time of the year of 32.5ºC, but the weather, however, will remain relatively hot,” the weather forecaster said.

The heatwave peaked on Monday and Tuesday, when temperatures in the capital reached 39ºC, according to the meteorologist, who noted that a slight drop in mercury levels is expected on Wednesday.

Temperatures on Wednesday will be five degrees above their annual average for this time of the year, the JMD meteorologist said, noting that the weather will be relatively hot across the country and hot in the Jordan Valley, Aqaba, the badia and the eastern plains.

Temperatures during the day will be 37ºC, dropping to 25ºC at nighttime in Amman, while winds will be northwesterly moderate to brisk, raising dust in the badia.

Another slight drop in temperatures is forecast for Thursday and Friday, the meteorologist said, noting that temperatures during the day will be 35ºC and 23ºC to 22ºC at night in Amman.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday said that despite the high temperatures, its directorates across the country did not receive any reports of damaged crops or deaths at cattle or poultry farms.

“The impact of this heatwave is weaker compared to the one that prevailed earlier this month, when there were deaths among poultry and leaves of different crops withered,” Ministry Spokesperson Nimer Haddadin told The Jordan Times.

In addition, farmers adhered to the ministry’s instructions during the hot weather, which prevented crop damage or deaths on poultry or cattle farms, Haddadin said.

Owners of poultry barracks are advised to provide cool water, mixed with vitamin C inside the barracks, as well as reduce the amount of fodder, while farmers are advised to irrigate their crops early in the morning or late at night, Haddadin said. 

The public is advised to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours between noon and 3pm and to remain hydrated.