Amman, Sep. 16 (Petra) -- Wednesday’s heat is expected to ease from Thursday as temperatures begin a gradual decline, bringing moderate weather to most regions through the end of the week, according to the Jordan Meteorological Department.

Relatively hot conditions will prevail over the mountainous areas on Wednesday, while the rest of the country remains hot. Temperatures are forecast to reach 36 degrees Celsius in East Amman and across the plains, with readings climbing to 42 C in the Jordan Valley.

Mid- and high-altitude clouds are expected over southern areas, while moderate northwesterly winds will shift southwesterly during the evening.

A drop in temperatures on Thursday will bring moderate conditions to most regions, although the Badia, the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba will remain hot. Moderate northwesterly winds may become active at times.

The cooling trend will continue on Friday, when another slight decline will keep most of the country under moderate conditions. The Badia will be relatively hot, while hotter weather persists in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba.

Cloud cover will increase at varying altitudes, particularly across northern and central regions. Westerly winds will become active at intervals and may raise dust over parts of the Badia.

Little change is expected on Saturday, with moderate weather continuing across most regions and hot conditions largely confined to the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Low clouds are also forecast in some areas.

Wednesday's highs will reach 36 C in East Amman, 34 C in West Amman, 32 C in the northern highlands and 33 C in the Sharah highlands. Temperatures are forecast at 38 C in the Badia, 41 C at the Dead Sea and in Aqaba, and 42 C in the northern and southern Jordan Valley.

//Petra// RZ