WASM – Jordan recorded the strongest cold wave since 21 years ago (2003) for the month of October, as temperatures dropped to 8.4 degrees Celsius at the Maraka North station, approaching the lowest recorded figure for this month of 8.0 degrees Celsius recorded on 30-10-2003. Thus, the current cold wave is considered "extremely rare" compared to this time of year, although the current cold wave has lasted longer compared to the cold wave that occurred in October 2003, based on data from the Jordanian Meteorological Department.
The cause of the current cold wave is due to a cold air mass that advanced from northern Europe due to the activity of the "Azores" high-pressure system and not the "Siberian" high, as this air mass advanced from the north of the Scandinavian Islands, then across western Siberia until reaching the eastern Mediterranean and Turkey.
This rare polar air mass caused seasonal rare snowfall in northern Iraq, which at the same time caused heavy rainfall in wide areas of northern Saudi Arabia.
Northern Saudi Arabia regions recorded low temperatures reaching only 5 degrees Celsius, and many cities in the Levant recorded figures close to record temperatures or new record figures. Turkish highlands were affected by heavy snowfall and early unseasonable occurrence, and this cold wave is considered rare for this time of year. WASM Regional Climate Center's climate model was able to predict it through monthly bulletins issued at the end of September.
Weather Forecast for the Coming Period|
The current cold wave will gradually recede on Saturday and the beginning of next week with the spread of medium and high clouds, and temperatures are expected to return to seasonal averages with continued normal cold weather for this time during night and morning in mountains and plains.
Jordan, the Levant, the Al-Jawf region, Tabuk in northern Saudi Arabia, and northern Egypt are expected to be affected by a prolonged heavy rainy condition, which will begin gradually Tuesday evening from desert areas and extend to cover wide areas during the end of next week, with heavy and comprehensive impact on the region.
WASM Regional Center is monitoring high activity of new polar air masses that will advance toward the eastern Mediterranean basin in early November, particularly toward Greece and Turkey, then rapidly advance toward the Levant and northwest Saudi Arabia.
The coming month is expected to be cold with temperatures well below seasonal averages, accompanied by heavy rainfall exceeding normal rates in most areas.
The occurrence of strong and rare cold waves in the region does not contradict climate change phenomena, as climate change is not merely a rise in temperature or a decrease in rainfall rates, which are common misconceptions widely spread. The Arab region is affected by different climatic changes which have caused a significant increase in rainfall rates reaching 60% in Jordan and the Arabian Peninsula region, with increased severity of extreme and strong weather conditions.
WASM Regional Center | Jordan Records Strongest Cold Wave in 21 Years for October
