JMD marks Arab Meteorological Day

AMMAN — The Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) on Thursday commemorated the Arab Meteorological Day, which falls on September 15 , with this year's theme "Weather, Climate and Food Security".

Highlighting the impact of climate change on weather patterns and commenting on Jordan's experience in this arena, Raed Al Khattab, head of the JMD, pointed to clear signs of change, including a significant increase in temperature levels, and an increase in the number of warm nights in most areas of the country.

He said that there has also been a decrease in annual rainfall totals in most regions, coupled with an increase in sudden rainfall events due to increased instability in the atmosphere, especially in the eastern and southern regions of Jordan, he added.

These events often result in heavy rains causing flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas, resulting in human and material losses. They also contribute to the spread of desertification in the Kingdom, he added, according to a JMD statement. 

The establishment of the Permanent Arab Committee for Meteorology, which aims to unify scientific efforts and objectives, was marked on September 15, 1970, as per a decision of the Council of the Arab League at ministerial level.