Amman, Feb. 11 (Petra) -- Cold conditions will continue across most regions through midweek before a warmer, dust-laden pattern takes hold on Friday, the Jordan Meteorological Department said, warning of reduced visibility in several areas.

Temperatures are expected to dip slightly on Wednesday, keeping conditions relatively cold across most regions, while remaining warmer in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Low-level clouds are forecast, with light rain possible in far northern areas. Westerly winds will blow at moderate speeds, becoming active at times and raising dust, particularly in Badia regions.

A modest rise in temperatures is forecast for Thursday, though conditions will remain relatively cold in most areas. Low-lying regions will continue to see warmer weather under partly cloudy skies, with moderate southwesterly winds.

The weather pattern is expected to shift more clearly on Friday, as temperatures rise again and dusty conditions spread across much of the Kingdom. Weather will turn mild in most regions and warm in low-lying areas, with medium- and high-level cloud cover. Active southwesterly winds are expected to intensify dust levels, especially in open and desert areas.

Conditions are expected to cool slightly again on Saturday. Relatively cold weather will return to most regions, while low-lying areas remain comparatively warm. Low cloud cover is forecast in northern and central regions, with a chance of light rain during the early morning hours in parts of the north. Westerly winds will remain active at times, raising dust in southern and eastern areas.

On Wednesday, temperatures in eastern Amman are expected to range between 16 C and 9 C, compared with 14 C and 7 C in western Amman. The northern highlands will see temperatures of 12 C to 4 C, while the Sharah highlands are forecast to record between 14 C and 6 C. In the Badia, daytime temperatures are expected to reach 20 C before dropping to 7 C at night, while plains areas will see readings between 16 C and 8 C.

Low-lying regions will remain significantly warmer, with temperatures expected to range between 23 C and 11 C in the northern Jordan Valley and 27 C and 15 C in the south. The Dead Sea area is forecast to record temperatures of 25 C to 14 C, while Aqaba will see highs of 26 C and lows of 16 C.

//Petra// RZ