Jordan is expected to experience a rapidly changing weather system in the coming days, according to forecasts, due to the high temperature swings associated with this time of year. This will present problems for last-minute choices regarding outdoor activities. Arabia Weather experts believe that relatively mild conditions will arrive in Jordan on Thursday, causing daytime maxima to rise above the normal maxima for this time of year (up to and including mid-20s °C) for many cities, including some places in Amman. However, the temperature will be significantly higher in the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba regions. Arabia Weather’s forecasters believe these areas will have a brief “window” of spring-like weather on Thursday/Friday.
That calm is expected to end abruptly. A third-degree low-pressure system (moderate–high effectiveness) is forecast to sweep in on Friday, dragging a cold, humid air mass across the country. Models indicate a startling 12–15°C drop between Thursday and Friday in many places—enough to turn a warm afternoon into a rainy, chilly evening. In Amman, daytime highs could plunge to around 8–10°C once the system settles in. Rainfall is predicted to be widespread and at times heavy, particularly during Friday afternoon and night.
What keeps the Dead Sea the warmest around the Amman region of Jordan? The geographical characteristics of the region can provide some explanation for this contrast. The Dead Sea is located in the Jordan Rift Valley (the lowest point on Earth), where temperatures can exceed 400 meters below the sea surface. This unique elevation creates a type of “mass” or envelope of warm, dense air surrounding the Dead Sea — thus allowing for higher temperature variations between highlands such as Amman and during the day or lunchtime.
Due to this elevation characteristic, the Jordan Valley and the Gulf of Aqaba are capable of maintaining warm temperatures for much longer periods compared to Amman, which experiences rapid cooling during winter months.
According to current climate prediction models, the average high temperature for the month of January in Amman typically falls between the mid-teens (Celsius) and the single digits (Celsius). Thus, when the temperature drops to single digits, this represents a substantial change in temperature from the average. Such dramatic temperature fluctuations place significant stress on individuals and their social systems (e.g., healthcare systems).
In addition, many vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, individuals suffering from respiratory ailments, etc., will be most affected during these significant temperature variances; experts recommend wearing multiple layers of clothing and being more vigilant in protecting themselves (e.g., dressing more appropriately) against colder temperatures.
Weather specialists recommend planning to do all outdoor tasks during this period of good weather before the next week’s period of rainfall (which could include washing your vehicle, drying laundry, etc.). Thunderstorms with strong winds and rain are expected for the next couple of days; therefore, it is advised to secure any outdoor items that may be impacted by the storm. Be prepared to use your rain jackets for at least the next couple of days. With the weather consistently changing from warm to cold, plan for flexibility when making plans because of the potential for changing weather conditions.
Be sure to have your winter jacket and be ready to change your plans if necessary due to changing weather conditions.
