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Sandstorms in Jordan as unprecedented heatwave hits Middle East
Heat wave brings scorching temperatures, sandstorms and power outages to Jordan and the Middle East, with extreme weather and high temperatures expected to last for the next few days.
2 min read
Moments before the sandstorm engulfed Queen Alia airport [Facebook]
A major heat wave has had most parts of the Middle East in its grips since Thursday, with dangerously high temperatures felt from Iran to Lebanon.
Coastal areas of the Middle East have seen high levels of humidity, and Iraq has declared a mandatory four-day holiday to keep Iraqis indoors.
The high number of refugees displaced by conflict have been especially affected, especially due to power cuts and water shortages in many parts of the region. Many have suffered from sunburn, dehydration, and even death, especially children and the elderly.
Southern parts of Jordan sweltered in the heat on Sunday, with temperatures reaching 45C in the Red Sea port city of Aqaba.
A major sandstorm blanketed much of the kingdom the same day, forcing airport authorities to reschedule flights and divert inbound aircraft to Israel.
Jordan's Petra news agency reported that the Queen Alia Airport authorities is calling on travellers to check their flights schedule before heading to the airport.
The police has urged motorists, especially those traveling on the desert roads, to exercise extreme caution.
The Jordan Meteorological Department said there is a chance for intermittent thunderstorms.
There have also been reports of power cuts in some parts of Jordan, due to the pressure placed on the electricity grid by the extra demand for air-conditioning.
The heatwave is forecast to subside over the next few days but temperatures will remain around 37-39C.
Pictures of the sandstorm were posted on social media. A video was also posted on Youtube of a sandstorm approaching Queen Alia airport, moments before it engulfs the runways and the planes. Another was uploaded of a sandstorm hitting Zaatari, the largest Syrian refugee camp in the country.
The sandstorms also affected parts of southern Syria, including Daraa and Suweidaa.
Coastal areas of the Middle East have seen high levels of humidity, and Iraq has declared a mandatory four-day holiday to keep Iraqis indoors.
The high number of refugees displaced by conflict have been especially affected, especially due to power cuts and water shortages in many parts of the region. Many have suffered from sunburn, dehydration, and even death, especially children and the elderly.
Southern parts of Jordan sweltered in the heat on Sunday, with temperatures reaching 45C in the Red Sea port city of Aqaba.
A major sandstorm blanketed much of the kingdom the same day, forcing airport authorities to reschedule flights and divert inbound aircraft to Israel.
Jordan's Petra news agency reported that the Queen Alia Airport authorities is calling on travellers to check their flights schedule before heading to the airport.
The police has urged motorists, especially those traveling on the desert roads, to exercise extreme caution.
The Jordan Meteorological Department said there is a chance for intermittent thunderstorms.
There have also been reports of power cuts in some parts of Jordan, due to the pressure placed on the electricity grid by the extra demand for air-conditioning.
The heatwave is forecast to subside over the next few days but temperatures will remain around 37-39C.
Pictures of the sandstorm were posted on social media. A video was also posted on Youtube of a sandstorm approaching Queen Alia airport, moments before it engulfs the runways and the planes. Another was uploaded of a sandstorm hitting Zaatari, the largest Syrian refugee camp in the country.
The sandstorms also affected parts of southern Syria, including Daraa and Suweidaa.
Follow the Middle East's top stories in English at The New Arab on Google News
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