Chilly, dry weekend forecast

AMMAN — A cold air mass caused by a Siberian upper trough started affecting the Kingdom Thursday evening, bringing chilly and dry easterly winds, according to meteorologists.

The effect of the cold air mass will peak on Saturday night, and is expected to cause frost formation and low visibility in all regions, including the Jordan Valley, according to the Jordan Metrological Department. 

"Siberian upper troughs usually have low humidity, making the weather dry and very chilly," meteorologist Amer Khalil told The Jordan Times on Thursday. 

He said temperatures will plunge to zero in Amman on Saturday and Sunday night, with a maximum of 11°C forecast during the day. 

Temperatures will be around five degrees below their annual average during this time of the year, according to Khalil.

In Aqaba, it will be cold, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of 11°C at night on Saturday and Sunday.  

Forecaster Omar Dajani from Arabiaweather.com noted that the easterly winds expected during the weekend will make it "even colder" than the thermometer readings due to the wind chill factor.

"The peak of the cold air mass will be on Saturday night and the early morning hours on Sunday, as minimum temperatures will be lower than zero degrees in large areas in the badia region," he added. 

The forecasters urged the public to follow instructions issued by the concerned authorities, especially in case of frost formation. 

The Civil Defence Department (CDD) urged motorists to be careful while driving, especially in the early morning hours when the roads are slippery because of frost.

“People are also advised to use gas heaters with extreme care to protect themselves and their families from the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning,” the CDD said in a statement issued on Thursday.

The department also highlighted the need to always keep a window partially open for fresh air to circulate.

It said residents from any area of the country can call the CDD at 911 in case of an emergency.