Weather warnings renewed: Risk of hailstorms, flash floods

Jordan is expected to experience a period of atmospheric instability starting Wednesday morning, as a cold air mass in the upper atmosphere moves in, coinciding with activity from the Red Sea trough – per ArabiaWeather’s forecasts.

Cloud cover will gradually increase in the morning at various altitudes, with rain showers likely, especially in the eastern regions, accompanied by occasional thunderstorms. Some scattered rain may also extend to other areas.

As with most weather instability affecting Jordan, rain is expected to vary in intensity and distribution, focusing primarily on the eastern parts of the country. These regions could see heavy rainfall from thunderstorms, which may cause local and flash flooding.

Meanwhile, other parts of the country could experience clearer skies, although some scattered light showers may occur elsewhere.

Potential risks and recommendations

The instability may not only bring sudden downpours or flooding but also strong winds, which could raise dust and reduce visibility, especially along desert highways. Hailstorms with large hailstones may also pose risks to property in some cases.

Here are some important recommendations for dealing with the upcoming weather:

• Be cautious of flash floods and rising water levels in valleys.
• Be mindful of flash floods from runoff originating from distant areas, not just local rain.
• Avoid valley bottoms and take precautions, especially during the olive harvest.
• Be aware of large hail risks in the southern and eastern regions.
• Beware of lightning and strong thunderstorms.
• Drive carefully due to possible slick roads from rain.
• Be cautious of dust storms, especially in desert areas, which could affect visibility and pose health risks for those with respiratory conditions.