Amman, July 27 (Petra) -- Temperatures are expected to remain near seasonal averages on Monday and Tuesday before a gradual warming trend sets in during the second half of the week, bringing hotter conditions across much of the country, according to the Jordan Meteorological Department.

The department said Monday and Tuesday will bring mild summer weather to the highlands and plains, while relatively hot conditions are forecast in the Badia and hot weather is expected to persist in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Moderate northwesterly winds are forecast to become active at times.

A slight increase in temperatures is expected on Wednesday, with relatively hot weather spreading across most regions. The Badia, the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba are forecast to experience hot to very hot conditions, while moderate northwesterly winds continue to prevail.

The warming trend is expected to continue on Thursday, when temperatures edge slightly higher again. Hot weather is forecast across most parts of the country, while very hot conditions will dominate the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Moderate northwesterly winds are expected to persist throughout the day.

Monday's temperatures are forecast to reach 33 degrees Celsius in East Amman and 31 degrees in West Amman. Highs are expected at 29 C in the northern highlands and 30 C in the Sharah highlands, while the plains are forecast to record 32 C.

The warmest conditions will remain concentrated in the country's desert and low-elevation regions, with temperatures expected to reach 37 C in the Badia, 39 C in the northern Jordan Valley, 40 C at the Dead Sea, 41 C in Aqaba and 42 C in the southern Jordan Valley.

//Petra// RZ