Record rainfall helps Jordan hit 90% annual average in January

• Climate Turnaround: Rainfall levels in Jordan have reached 90% of the annual long-term average, a massive surge compared to the previous year’s 40% total.
• Strategic Recovery: Authorities have ramped up "water harvesting" efforts to redirect floodwaters into depleted dams and underground aquifers to secure supplies for the upcoming summer.

Jordan’s Ministry of Water and Irrigation reported Friday a "qualitative leap" in rainfall rates, offering renewed hope for overcoming the water scarcity that has impacted the kingdom's agricultural sector and water reserves.

Official ministry data shows that cumulative rainfall across various regions has touched 90% of the long-term annual average.

It stands in contrast to last year, when total precipitation struggled to reach the 40% threshold at the same time last year.

Recharging Underground Reserves

The significant increase in rainfall is expected to revitalize desert dams and groundwater basins that have faced depletion in recent years.

Omar Salameh, the ministry's spokesperson, said the recent downpours are a "lifeline" for the nation's wells and springs.

Direct recharge of the kingdom's groundwater aquifers is estimated to range between 3% and 5% of the total rainfall.

This influx arrives at an important time, helping to offset sharp declines caused by climate change and the aggressive pumping operations that have strained water basins over the last two years.

Maximizing Water Harvesting

In response to the favorable weather conditions, the ministry has accelerated "water harvesting" plans to ensure no resources are wasted.

Key field operations currently underway include:

• Redirecting Excess Flow: Directing overflow from the Shueib Dam into the King Abdullah Canal.
• Expanding Capacity: Clearing sediment from the Mujib Dam to increase its actual storage.
• Northern Mobilization: Diverting flash floodwaters in northern regions toward the Wadi al-Arab Dam to secure summer demand.