Amman, March 18 (Petra) -- A sharp shift in weather conditions is underway, with a wave of atmospheric instability building through Wednesday afternoon and setting the stage for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flood risks across several regions into the weekend.

Temperatures on Wednesday are running well above seasonal levels, by as much as 8–9 C, creating warm and unsettled conditions as cloud cover thickens progressively. By midday, the atmosphere is expected to become increasingly unstable, with skies turning partly cloudy to overcast and showers beginning to develop.

Rain is forecast to start in southern regions, including Aqaba, before spreading northward to cover wider areas, including Amman. Some downpours are expected to be intense, accompanied by thunder and hail, raising the risk of flash flooding in valleys and low-lying areas, particularly around the Dead Sea.

At the same time, strengthening southeasterly winds are expected to generate dusty conditions ahead of the rain band, with sharp drops in visibility likely in desert regions.

The unstable conditions mark the beginning of a broader weather shift. By Thursday, a relatively cold and humid air mass is expected to move in, driving a noticeable drop in temperatures and reinforcing unsettled conditions. Periods of rain are forecast in northern and central regions, extending at times to parts of the east and southwest, with thunderstorms and hail remaining possible.

The system is expected to maintain its grip into Friday, with colder conditions and recurring rainfall, particularly across northern and central areas. Winds will remain active, continuing to raise dust in exposed regions.

By Saturday, the weather pattern is expected to deepen further, with broader rainfall coverage across most regions. Showers may intensify at times especially in western areas accompanied by thunder and hail, while strong southwesterly winds add to the unsettled conditions.

Temperatures in eastern Amman on Wednesday are expected to range between 26 C and 12 C, compared with 24 C and 11 C in western parts of the capital, while Aqaba is forecast to see highs of around 32 C and lows near 19 C.

//Petra// RZ


18/03/2026 08:17:21