'Cold air mass to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms as of Saturday'

AMMAN — A cold air mass is expected to start affecting the Kingdom on Saturday, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms, the Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) said on Thursday.

The impact of the cold and wet air mass is expected to continue prevailing until Monday morning, head of the JMD weather forecast section Raed Rafed said, noting that the cold air mass will cause a tangible drop in mercury levels.

On Friday, however, above average temperatures are forecast, with sunny and relatively warm weather across the country, according to the JMD.

Temperatures will be 6o-7oC above their annual average of 13°C for this time of the year, Rafed said, noting that daytime temperatures will be 19°C, dropping to 7°C at night in Amman.

As the impact of the cold air mass starts prevailing on Saturday, the meteorologist said the weather will gradually become cloudy, with rainfall expected to start in the northern region and move downwards to central areas.

"Rainfall is likely to be heavy in the evening, especially in the northern and central parts of the country and to be accompanied by thunder, lightning and hail. In addition, snow showers are expected after midnight on the Sharah mountain range [in the south]," Rafed told The Jordan Times over the phone.

Temperatures during the day will be 12°C, dropping to a low of 4°C at night in the capital, while winds will be southwesterly brisk, raising dust in the badia, and turning to westerly brisk by nightfall.

A further drop in temperatures is expected on Sunday, as the Kingdom remains under the impact of the cold air mass.

"Cold, cloudy and rainy weather is expected, as well as thunder, lightning and hail at times. A heavy downpour that could cause flood formation is also likely in valleys and low-lying areas," Rafed noted.

Winds will be northwesterly brisk and temperatures will range between a maximum of 10°C and a minimum of 3°C in Amman, according to the JMD.

The impact of the cold air mass is expected to ease off on Monday, when morning showers are expected, the department said.