Cold front blankets Jordan as temperatures plummet

AMMAN — A cold air mass on Saturday enveloped the Kingdom, leading to a significant drop in temperatures and bringing with it thunderstorms and snowfall on mountainous areas, according to the Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD). 

The cold front is forecast to remain until Sunday, the weather department said, warning of slippery roads, flash floods in low-lying areas, poor visibility, especially on mountainous areas, and a possibility of brisk winds. 

The impact of the cold front is expected to taper off by Sunday night, the JMD said, adding that temperatures are forecast to slightly increase on Monday, with the weather remaining cold around the Kingdom and moderate in the Jordan Valley and Aqaba.

On Sunday, temperatures in Amman will see a high of 8°C during the day and a low of 3°C at night, while on Monday mercury levels will range between 9°C and 3°C, according to the JMD.

In Aqaba, Sunday’s temperatures will range from 18°C to 11°C, while on Monday, they are forecast to reach 22°C during the day and 12°C at night.

On Friday, the Civil Defence Department (CDD) urged the public to take precautions during these extreme weather conditions, advising to avoid valleys and areas where torrents are likely to form, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The CDD stressed the importance of the safe use of heating appliances; to use them in intervals, and to not go to sleep without ensuring they are turned off. The CDD also urged the public to contact 911 in case of an emergency. 

Meanwhile, the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) announced a medium state of emergency on Saturday, voicing the readiness of its departments and emergency centres in 22 areas around the capital to deal with the inclement weather conditions, Petra reported. 

GAM also said it will update the emergency status according to weather changes, urging the public to contact the following emergency numbers if necessary: 065359970/065359971/0798166789. 

The Greater Salt Municipality also announced a medium state of emergency on Saturday, Petra reported.

Salt Mayor Khaled Al Khashman said that its personnel will work in tandem with its emergency plan, dispatching vehicles and rescue teams.

Khashman urged Salt residents to contact the municipality’s emergency numbers at: 053555611/053555612/053555621/053555622 or the free number 08002271, Petra reported. 

For its part, the Yarmouk Water Company in Irbid, Jerash, Ajloun and Mafraq urged the public to make use of rainwater instead of connecting wells to sewage networks, in order to avoid clogging that leads to flooding, according to Petra. 

The company’s General Manger Muntaser Al Momani also urged the public to protect their water meters by covering them with warm material to ensure they will not be damaged if temperatures fall below 0°C. 

Momani instructed municipalities to avoid opening sewage manholes during rainy conditions and urged the public to contact the company on the following number to file any complaints: 117116.

Also on Saturday, the Tafileh Technical University suspended exams due to the weather conditions, Petra reported, noting that the governorate witnessed rain and snowfall accompanied with brisk winds.