Amman, July 9 (Petra) -- Temperatures are expected to rise gradually through the weekend, with conditions remaining seasonally mild across most regions before warmer weather expands on Sunday, according to the Jordan Meteorological Department.

The department said Thursday's temperatures will remain slightly below the seasonal average for early July, bringing mild summer conditions to most parts of the country. Hot weather is expected to continue in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba, while low clouds are forecast to appear intermittently. Moderate northwesterly winds are expected to become active at times.

A gradual warming trend is forecast to begin on Friday, when temperatures are expected to edge slightly higher while remaining within the seasonal range. Mild summer weather will continue across most regions, although the Badia is forecast to experience relatively hot conditions and the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba will remain hot.

Temperatures are expected to rise again on Saturday, bringing typical summer conditions to much of the country. Another increase is forecast on Sunday, when relatively hot weather is expected to spread across most regions, while the Badia and low-elevation areas, including the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba, continue to experience hot conditions.

Thursday's temperatures are forecast to reach 30 degrees Celsius in East Amman and 28 degrees in West Amman. Highs are expected to reach 27 C in the northern highlands and 26 C in the Sharah highlands, while the plains are forecast to record 30 C.

The highest temperatures will be concentrated in the country's southern and low-lying regions, with forecasts pointing to 35 C in the Badia, 37 C in the northern Jordan Valley, 39 C at the Dead Sea, and 40 C in both the southern Jordan Valley and Aqaba.

//Petra// RZ