Amman, July 29 (Petra) -- The kingdom is expected to be affected by a hot air mass starting Thursday, bringing a gradual rise in temperatures that will peak on Saturday, according to the Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD).

The hot weather is forecast to persist through the middle of next week.

According to the latest numerical weather models, temperatures will reach their highest levels on Saturday. Conditions will remain hot across most regions of the kingdom and extremely hot in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, Aqaba, and the Badia regions, with temperatures rising significantly above seasonal averages.

The JMD noted that this marks the first major hot air mass to hit the kingdom this summer, leading to a noticeable and significant surge in temperatures.

Authorities urged the public to avoid direct sunlight, particularly during peak afternoon hours, and to drink plenty of fluids. The department also advised against leaving children or the elderly in enclosed vehicles, warned against lighting fires in forested and open areas, and called on residents to monitor official weather bulletins as the heatwave reaches its peak on Saturday.

//Petra// AF