The next week will likely be the result of an exceptionally rare occurrence, as several conflicting weather systems manoeuvre over Jordan. During this time frame, alternating between periods of cooler weather, windy dust-storm-type gusts from the surface, and brief warm intervals would create conditions tricking the calendar to feel as if spring had come early for the region.
According to ArabWeather’s weather models, Jordan will be experiencing very rapid weather fluctuations throughout much of the last few days of Jacobs-1, January, and through the first third of February. The first level, or “degree,” of low pressure expected during this time frame will be a low-pressure pulse that brings a major drop in temperature and intermittent rain showers, primarily across the northern section of Jordan, along with gusts of up to 60 km/h in high mountainous areas, the eastern desert, and the Badia region, which will increase the likelihood of dust and sandstorms in those exposed areas. Subsequently, temperatures will significantly rebound again by the weekend, with maximum daytime temperatures in Amman approaching 18-19°C, followed by the potential for further lower temperatures.
Meteorologically speaking, it is the classic principles of atmospheric physics that demonstrate how warm air masses have the opportunity to rapidly surge to the north, but when this happens, cold air masses move in behind them, shutting off the warmth. The interruption caused by the advancing cold front or pressure system forces the warm air mass to rise and condense to create the rapidly changing conditions between the two air masses, resulting in rapid changes in wind, cloudiness, and rainfall along and around the fronts. Therefore, look for rapidly changing weather rather than gradually changing it.
The vertical topography of the country of Jordan also enhances the effect of the large temperature and precipitation swings on the surface. The country has a vertical extent from the lowest point of the earth’s surface at approximately 430 metres below sea level – at the Dead Sea – to the highest point of Jordan – Jabal Umm ad Dami, which is approximately 1,854 metres above sea level. Because of this range in elevation, it is possible that the same weather system may bring mild temperatures to the Dead Sea but yet have roadways in the mountains experiencing ice and frigid temperatures. Therefore, small variations in wind direction or cloud cover, while they may be minor changes in time and on a wide basis, translate to some larger differences in temperature and precipitation locally.
In addition to causing inconvenience, ArabiaWeather cites multiple practical effects of fluctuating temperatures between nights and days. Increased incidence of seasonal illness from colds and influenza is particularly prominent among school-aged children, necessitating continued use of multi-layered clothing while also monitoring official weather reports throughout each day’s forecasted temperature.
Simplicity is effective advice; carry an umbrella, secure loose outdoor items prior to periods of expectation for gusty winds, and use authorised channels (such as the website and mobile application) to stay informed about individual area forecasts as meteorological patterns change over time.
The weather this year will continue to be affected by all possible weather influences from all parts of the world, especially the weather of the Mediterranean Ocean, as well as the effects of the continuous climatic influences from the continental regions and the changing altitudes in Jordan. The next several days will be interesting!
