Amman, June 15 (Petra) -- A gradual rise in temperatures is expected to affect much of the country during the first half of the week, with forecasters predicting warmer conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday before a slight decline sets in on Thursday.

According to the Jordan Meteorological Department, Monday's weather will remain mild across most regions, while relatively hot to hot conditions are expected in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Moderate northwesterly winds are forecast, becoming active at times, particularly during the afternoon.

Temperatures are expected to increase on Tuesday, returning to levels typical for this time of year. Conditions will remain moderate across the highlands and plains, while hotter weather is forecast in the Badia and low-lying areas, including the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba.

The warming trend is expected to continue on Wednesday, when temperatures are forecast to rise further. Relatively hot weather will extend across most regions, while hot conditions will prevail in desert areas and the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba.

Forecasters expect temperatures to ease slightly on Thursday, bringing more moderate conditions back to the highlands and plains. However, hot weather is expected to persist in the Badia and low-elevation areas despite the anticipated decline.

Winds are forecast to remain generally moderate throughout the period, shifting between northwesterly and northeasterly directions on Tuesday and Wednesday before returning to a northwesterly pattern on Thursday.

Temperature readings on Monday are expected to reach 29 degrees Celsius in East Amman and 27 degrees in West Amman. Highs are forecast at 25 C in the northern highlands and 26 C in the Sharah highlands.

The highest temperatures are expected in southern and low-lying regions, with forecasts pointing to 39 C in both Aqaba and the southern Jordan Valley, 38 C at the Dead Sea and 36 C in the northern Jordan Valley.

//Petra// RZ