Maximum readiness to deal with atmospheric instability

Following previous warnings regarding the state of atmospheric instability that the Kingdom will witness this week, and based on previous directives to take the necessary precautions in preparation for the winter and rainy season, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Administration, Engineer Walid Al-Masri, directed yesterday, Saturday, the municipalities, joint services councils, and municipal affairs directorates in the Kingdom to raise the level of maximum readiness to deal with the expected state of atmospheric instability, especially in the eastern and southern regions, with the necessity of closely following the early warning system reports.

Al-Masri emphasized the importance of full coordination and joint cooperation between municipalities and their staff with administrative governors, the Civil Defense Directorate, and the relevant official authorities to ensure comprehensive field readiness and rapid response to any emergency.

He called on municipalities and municipal affairs directorates to educate citizens and warn them of heavy rainfall within a short period of time and the potential formation of flash floods that may accompany it, stressing the need to warn those living near valleys and livestock owners to immediately stay away from flood channels and low-lying areas.

The Minister stressed the importance of taking the necessary measures to preserve lives and property.

Meanwhile, the Public Security Directorate renewed its call to citizens to exercise caution and vigilance during the state of atmospheric instability that has affected the Kingdom starting yesterday, Saturday, until tomorrow, Monday, according to weather bulletins issued by the competent authorities.

Forecasts indicate showers of rain and hail this afternoon in the eastern and southeastern regions, which may be heavy for short periods and accompanied by thunder.

The weather condition deepened yesterday afternoon to include various regions of the Kingdom, especially in the south and east of the Kingdom, including the city of Aqaba, with expectations of heavy rainfall at times, accompanied by thunder and hail, while the condition continues tomorrow, Monday, with chances of rainfall that may be heavy in some areas, accompanied by thunder and hail, in addition to wind activity causing dust in the Badia regions.

The Directorate warned of the danger of sudden flash floods, low horizontal visibility, and slipping on roads, calling for caution and vigilance while driving, especially on external roads and in areas experiencing rainfall or dust, leaving a sufficient safety distance between vehicles, staying away from valleys, flood channels, and low-lying areas, especially in the south and east of the Kingdom, and not risking crossing them under any circumstances, whether by vehicle or on foot.

It also called for staying away from open areas during thunderstorms and lightning, exercising caution in areas prone to water accumulation, following weather bulletins and warnings issued by the competent authorities first-hand, the necessity of adhering to preventive instructions and cooperating with Public Security personnel, and not hesitating to call the unified emergency number 911 when needed.

The Meteorological Department said that moderate to heavy thunderstorms fell in several areas of the Kingdom, and added in a statement that the latest images from the Meteorological Department's weather radar.

It pointed to thunderstorms falling southeast of the capital, Amman, and Zarqa Governorate, and in parts of the governorates of: Ma'an, Tafilah, and Karak, calling on citizens to exercise caution and vigilance, and to stay away from flood channels, to preserve their safety.

The Kingdom remains under the influence of a state of atmospheric instability until tomorrow, Monday, with expectations of scattered showers of rain that may be heavy for short periods and accompanied by thunder and hail at times, which increases the risk of flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas, especially in the south and east of the Kingdom, according to the Meteorological Department.

Forecasts indicate that the weather condition will deepen today, Sunday, with the extension of rainfall chances to various regions, especially the south and east of the Kingdom, including Aqaba, while the condition will recede on Tuesday, with moderate autumn weather in most regions.

The Petra District witnessed rainfall yesterday morning and afternoon, while tourism activity in the archaeological site continued normally and as usual.

The relevant official authorities raised their readiness to deal with the repercussions of the weather conditions, while the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority activated the early warning system for flood risk, and the district administration, the Public Works Directorate, and security and service authorities prepared their winter emergency rooms.

The Petra Region Authority called on citizens and visitors to stay away from valleys and water gatherings during the winter, and to contact operations rooms if they need any services.

The residents are optimistic about the current rainy season, given its role in enhancing various crops in the district and preserving the region's trees and native plants.

Rain began to fall on Aqaba Governorate yesterday morning, Saturday, amidst promising indicators of a promising rainy season, according to the Aqaba Agriculture Directorate, which sees rainfall as an important factor in improving soil moisture, supporting the growth of agricultural crops and pastures, and enhancing the utilization of water resources during the current season.

The Director of the Aqaba Agriculture Directorate, Thaer Al-Rawajfeh, said in a special statement to “$” that the rainy season carries positive indicators for the agricultural sector, and that rainfall contributes to providing suitable conditions for plant growth and improving the reality of agricultural lands, especially in areas that depend on rainwater, pointing to the importance of the distribution and continuity of rainfall to achieve the desired benefit for farmers.

He added that the rains coincide with a period when some agricultural crops are approaching harvest time, which requires monitoring the impact of the weather condition on production and crop quality, and taking the necessary measures to protect them from potential damage, especially crops that may be affected by increased humidity or water accumulation. According to the rainfall readings recorded yesterday morning, the amount of rain at the Development Company station reached 6.8 mm, while the Ports station recorded 6.2 mm, and the Al-Mudawara Customs station recorded the highest cumulative amount, reaching 10.4 mm.

Al-Rawajfeh called on farmers to follow weather bulletins and official warnings, inspect fields and water drains, and take the necessary precautions to protect crops and agricultural facilities, in a way that limits potential damage during the weather condition.