Amman, March 17 (Petra) -- Temperatures are expected to rise slightly on Tuesday, bringing mild and sunny conditions across most regions before a sharp drop later in the week as a new weather system approaches, the Jordan Meteorological Department said.

Conditions are forecast to remain pleasant across much of the country, while warmer weather will prevail in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Moderate southeasterly winds are expected to blow across most areas.

Temperatures will climb slightly again on Wednesday, pushing conditions toward slightly warm levels across most regions. Medium and high clouds are expected to appear, while southeasterly winds may become active with strong gusts in some areas reaching up to 60 km/h. The gusts are expected to raise dust in several regions, particularly in desert areas.

Weather conditions are expected to change markedly on Thursday as a relatively cold and humid air mass associated with a low-pressure system begins affecting the country. Temperatures are forecast to drop noticeably, bringing relatively cold weather with partly cloudy to overcast skies across most regions, while the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba will remain relatively warmer.

Rain is expected intermittently across northern and central regions as well as parts of eastern areas, occasionally accompanied by thunder and hail. Showers may later extend briefly to parts of southwestern regions. Southwesterly winds are expected to become active with strong gusts at times, raising dust particularly in desert areas.

The cooler and unsettled conditions are expected to persist on Friday, with cold weather and partly cloudy to overcast skies across most regions. Rainfall is forecast at intervals in northern and central areas, occasionally accompanied by thunder and hail during early morning hours. Light showers may also develop in limited parts of eastern and southwestern regions.

Active westerly winds are expected to raise dust, particularly in desert areas.

Temperatures in eastern Amman on Tuesday are forecast to range between 21 C and 12 C, compared with 19 C and 10 C in western Amman, while Aqaba is expected to record highs of around 30 C and lows of about 17 C.

//Petra// RZ