Farmers, cattle breeders urged to prepare for frost

AMMAN — As the effect of a depression and a very cold polar front is subsiding and a spell of freezing temperatures commenced, authorities on Wednesday urged farmers to take precautionary measures against frost.

Ministry of Agriculture Spokesperson Nimer Haddadin urged farmers, cattle breeders and owners of fisheries and poultry farms to follow the instructions of the ministry's directorates across the country to avoid losses due to freezing temperatures.

"So far, the very cold weather hasn’t affected crops or caused any damages, but since freezing temperatures are expected until the end of the week, farmers should continue taking precautionary measures," Haddadin told The Jordan Times.

Farmers should warm up greenhouses during the day and close them at night to preserve the heat, the ministry said, adding that when temperatures dip to around zero, farmers should also burn dry grass near the crops and slightly water them to mitigate the impact of frost spells.

In addition, cattle breeders are urged to visit the ministry's directorates and veterinary clinics to receive vaccines and instructions; to keep newborn animals inside the barns; and to secure water and fodder there as well.

Meanwhile, the Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) also warned farmers of possible frost formation and urged them to irrigate vegetables planted in open fields at night. 

In addition, farmers are also urged to use fans to cause wind circulation around the crops.

Ice formation is expected until Saturday night, according to the department, and temperatures will start rising gradually.

The weather on Thursday is forecast to be cold and winds will be northeasterly slow, according to the JMD, which said that the weather will become very cold at night.

Temperatures will be 7ºC during the day and 0ºC at night in the capital.

A slight rise in temperatures is expected on Friday, but the weather will remain cold across the country and relatively cold in the Jordan Valley and the Gulf of Aqaba. 

Winds will be easterly slow and temperatures will range between a high of 10ºC and a low of 2ºC in Amman, the JMD said.

Mercury levels on Saturday are expected to rise back to their annual average of 12.1ºC for this time of the year, the department said on its website. 

The weather will be relatively cold across the Kingdom and fair in the Jordan Valley and the Gulf of Aqaba.

At night, the weather will become cold and ice formation is forecast, the JMD said, adding that temperatures will be 12ºC during the day, dropping to 4ºC at night in Amman.