As khamasin hits, temp rise, dusty dry weather continues

AMMAN — The weather on Wednesday is forecast to be warm, dry, and dusty as khamasin (a dry, hot sandy local wind) hits, but it is forecast to ease off by Friday, according to the Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD).اضافة اعلان

Temperatures are eight to nine degrees higher than the annual average at this time of the year, according to the JMD.

Warm temperatures are expected to hover around 28°C during daytime in Amman, Irbid, Jerash, and Ajloun, dropping down at night to 16-17°C.

The weather is forecast to be relatively hot in southern governorates in the daytime while dipping at night.

In Aqaba, highs will jump to 37°C and lows will slide to 24°C. Temperatures are predicted to range between 32°C and 15°C in Maan, 26°C and 14°C in Tafilah, and 27°C and 12°C in Karak.

Wind speed will reach 22-28km/h during the day and abate to 12-16km/h at night across the kingdom.

The JMD warned of low visibility in the Badia regions, in which sand and dust from the deserts are carried and spread by wind.    

Besides reduced visibility, “khamasin weather conditions affect patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma, causing sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness,” said pediatrician and health expert Nidal Saifan in an interview with Jordan News, adding that “people suffering from skin allergies and eczema are also vulnerable,” due to the drop in humidity and increased dust. 

Wearing a mask is crucial to protect not only against the coronavirus but also against dusty weather conditions, according to Saifan.

The health expert advised citizens to “close windows, avoid open places, and follow the public health regulations and restrictions imposed to mitigate any bad effects of the dusty, dry weather.”