Director of the Jordan Meteorological Department Raed Al-Khattab confirmed that the deepening of the current weather system is due to the advance of a cold and moist air mass in the upper and middle layers of the atmosphere toward the eastern Mediterranean, coinciding with a surface low-pressure extension over the region.
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He explained that this alignment between the surface and upper systems has increased atmospheric instability, enhancing the effectiveness of the low-pressure system and lowering central pressure values. As the cold air mass moves across the Kingdom, temperatures are expected to drop significantly compared to recent days, falling below their seasonal averages.
Al-Khattab noted that the expected rainfall intensity during such weather systems is linked to the presence of high moisture across various atmospheric layers, in addition to the activity of upward currents within cumulonimbus clouds. These conditions lead to the formation of vertically developed clouds—such as thunderclouds—capable of producing heavy rain showers and sometimes hail due to intense cooling within the cloud columns.
He anticipated that rainfall in the coming period will affect several regions across the Kingdom, with a clear concentration over the central, southwestern, and northern areas, along with limited parts of the eastern regions, while chances of rain in Aqaba remain low.
Al-Khattab stated that the areas most exposed to heavy rainfall and potential flash floods during the afternoon, evening, and nighttime hours include primarily the central regions—Amman, Balqa, and Madaba—along with the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley.
He added that the northern regions and southwestern parts of the Kingdom—such as Irbid, Ajloun, and Jerash—will also experience periods of heavy rainfall, in addition to parts of Karak and Tafileh.
Rainfall is expected to gradually decrease in the northern regions during nighttime hours but will remain concentrated over the central and southwestern parts of the country.
The Meteorology Department warned of the risk of flash floods in valleys, low-lying areas, the Jordan Valley, and the Dead Sea region due to their terrain, which funnels rainwater rapidly.
Regarding the impact of Jordan’s topography and elevation on rainfall distribution and intensity, Al-Khattab emphasized that terrain plays a crucial role. Western highlands such as those in Amman, Balqa, Ajloun, and the southern mountains receive the most rainfall due to orographic lifting of moist air as it encounters the mountain slopes, which increases cloud condensation and rainfall intensity. Conversely, rainwater quickly accumulates in valleys and low areas, raising the risk of flash floods.
On the role of radar and satellite imagery in monitoring weather conditions, Al-Khattab explained that radar images—an essential real-time warning tool—show the distribution of rain clouds, rainfall intensity, and movement patterns. Satellite images help detect cloud formation, development, and spread, in addition to identifying frontal systems.
These tools allow meteorologists to track cloud movement, types, and quantities, enhancing forecast accuracy. He added that satellite imagery provides multiple channels that monitor different features, including air masses, dust storms, thunderclouds, and areas of fog formation, all contributing to more accurate forecasts and timely warnings.
(Petra)
