By Hana Namrouqa

AMMAN - Hospitals reported a high turnout of patients suffering from asthma and respiratory infections, as several regions of the country were covered with dust as a result of a khamsini depression on Tuesday.

Al Bashir Hospital registered a 40 per cent increase in the number of patients treated for asthma and other respiratory diseases, a doctor in the emergency room said yesterday.

Maan Public Hospital also registered a 50 per cent increase in asthma and allergy sufferers, Dr. Hussam Qasrawi told The Jordan Times yesterday.

"Usually, we treat one to two patients a day for respiratory allergies, but today we have received more than 10 so far and the number is rising," he said.

Health experts urge the public to take precautionary measures during khamsini weather conditions, as allergies and respiratory system infections are common.

These symptoms occur most frequently among children and teenagers whose immune systems are still developing. As a precaution, parents are urged to make sure children wash their hands and faces frequently with water and soap.

Health experts also recommend avoiding contact lenses during dusty days, using polarised sunglasses and covering the eyes with a cold compress.

Allergy sufferers who are particularly affected should contact their doctor in advance and avoid going out during dusty weather or visiting parks with blossoming flowers.

Meanwhile, the Public Security Department (PSD) deployed several patrols along the desert highway and main roads in the south and the east to prevent road accidents.

PSD Spokesperson Major Mohammad Khatib told The Jordan Times yesterday that all roads were open despite the heavy dust which reduced visibility, adding that no weather-related accidents have been reported so far.

Multiple khamsini depressions are expected to sweep through the country during the month.

Khamsini, derived from the Arabic khamsun, meaning 50, affects the region on average once a week during the 50-day period.

The Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) said temperatures on Tuesday rose by more than seven degrees above average, noting that mercury levels are expected to drop to 20°C today, as the khamsini conditions subside.

It will be partly cloudy today with scattered showers forecast in the northern and central regions. The JMD said brisk winds are expected to raise dust in the south and the east, warning motorists against poor visibility.

Another drop in temperatures is forecast for Thursday and Friday, and the weather will be cloudy with light rain expected in the northern and central regions. Temperatures in Amman will range between a high of 16°C during the day and a low of 7°C at night.

The weather is expected to start stabilising as of Friday evening, and temperatures are expected to rise on Saturday, according to the department.