Jordan, a country known for its rich history and diverse landscapes, has also experienced some of the most intense and memorable storms.
While the nation is often associated with its arid climate, its weather patterns can sometimes bring about surprising and significant meteorological events.
Exploring the biggest storms to ever hit Jordan provides insight into the region’s unique climate challenges and their impact on the population.
From heavy rainfall leading to flash floods to rare snowstorms, each event offers a glimpse into the powerful forces of nature that have shaped the country’s environment.
1. Black Monday 1935
In 1935, a powerful storm hit Jordan, earning the name Black Monday.
This storm is notable for its severity and impact on the region. It brought heavy rains and strong winds, which caused significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
The storm disrupted daily life, making travel difficult and unsafe.
Many homes and buildings suffered damage due to the relentless weather.
Black Monday 1935 remains one of the most memorable storms in Jordan’s history, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
The aftermath of the storm required extensive recovery efforts, demonstrating the need for better preparedness for future storms.
2. The Great Blizzard 1954
The Great Blizzard of 1954 was a historic storm that brought Jordan to a standstill.
Heavy snowfall, combined with strong winds, created dangerous conditions.
Snow drifts reached impressive heights, making travel impossible. Many residents were trapped in their homes for days. Emergency services worked tirelessly to assist those in need.
With temperatures plummeting, the cold posed another serious threat.
The blizzard remains a significant event in Jordan’s weather history.
3. Red Sea Cyclone 1963
The Red Sea Cyclone in 1963 was one of the rare tropical cyclones that impacted Jordan.
Forming in the Red Sea, this storm traveled north, bringing unusually severe weather to the region.
Jordan experienced heavy rainfall and strong winds. The affected areas reported flooding and damage to infrastructure.
This cyclone was noted for its rarity, as tropical cyclones seldom develop in the Red Sea.
Authorities had to respond to the damages quickly. There were efforts to repair roads and assist affected communities.
Despite being less intense than oceanic cyclones, it was a significant event for the nation.
4. Amman Snowstorm 1992
In February 1992, Amman experienced one of the most intense snowstorms in its history.
The storm hit between February 24 and 26, reaching its peak on the 25th.
During this storm, snowfall accumulated to extraordinary depths. In some mountainous areas, the snow reached about 3 meters.
This event is still remembered by many Jordanians as a significant weather event.
Transportation was severely disrupted. Roads were blocked, making travel almost impossible.
Schools and businesses were forced to close, and people stayed indoors to keep safe.
The storm also had a lasting impact on the region. It highlighted the need for better preparedness for such extreme weather events.
The 1992 Amman snowstorm remains a key part of Jordan’s weather history, showcasing the power of nature in this area.
5. Desert Storm 2002
Desert Storm 2002, named similarly but unrelated to the Gulf War operation, was a significant weather event in Jordan.
The storm brought severe sandstorms and strong winds, affecting daily life and visibility.
During Desert Storm 2002, winds reached speeds up to 90 km/h.
Many roads were closed, and flights were grounded due to the low visibility caused by blowing sand.
The storm resulted in property damage, including broken windows and damaged roofs.
Additionally, the sand and dust caused health issues like respiratory problems for many residents. Emergency services were on high alert throughout the duration of the storm.
6. Summer Floods 2013
In the summer of 2013, Jordan faced severe flooding, which led to considerable damage and disruption.
Heavy rainfall caused flash floods that impacted several regions, including urban and rural areas.
Infrastructure suffered significantly due to the floods. Roads were washed away, and buildings sustained damage.
The floods interrupted daily life and hampered transportation and communication.
The government and local authorities responded quickly. They evacuated affected residents and provided emergency aid.
Cleanup and reconstruction efforts began soon after the floodwaters receded.
7. Zarqa Tornado 2015
The Zarqa Tornado of 2015 was a significant weather event in Jordan.
This tornado struck the city of Zarqa, causing substantial damage to infrastructure and buildings. Many residents had to seek temporary shelter due to the destruction.
The tornado also impacted local businesses and disrupted daily life. Officials reported several injuries but, fortunately, no casualties.
Emergency services responded quickly to assist those affected.
You can read more about Zarqa’s historical context in this article.
Despite the challenges, the community showed resilience in recovering from the tornado’s impact.
8. October Hailstorm 2017
In October 2017, Jordan experienced a significant hailstorm.
This storm was one of the most destructive in the country’s recent history. Heavy hail caused extensive damage to property and agriculture.
The storm left many areas battered with large hailstones. Cars, rooftops, and crops were severely impacted.
This led to substantial economic losses for affected regions.
Meteorologists noted the unusual severity of this hailstorm. It highlighted vulnerabilities in local infrastructure and preparedness.
The October Hailstorm of 2017 remains a pivotal event in Jordan’s weather history.
9. Spring Deluge 2018
In 2018, Jordan experienced a severe spring storm. The heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding across the country.
The sudden downpour overwhelmed infrastructure, causing significant damage to roads and bridges.
Large hailstones further contributed to the chaos. These hailstones damaged cars, homes, and crops, creating a scene of devastation.
Many families were affected, and some people went missing during the storm.
Experts noted that Jordan was unprepared for such extreme weather.
The storm highlighted the need for better disaster management and infrastructure improvements to handle future floods.
The event served as a wake-up call for the country to invest in more robust systems to protect its citizens.
10. Winter Squall 2019
In early 2019, Jordan experienced a significant winter squall that caused widespread disruption.
This storm brought heavy snowfall and strong winds, making travel conditions hazardous and impacting daily life.
The snow squall hit several regions, including Amman, the capital of Jordan.
Roads were blocked, and many schools and businesses had to close temporarily due to the severe weather.
The storm also led to power outages in various areas.
Local authorities worked tirelessly to clear the roads and restore electricity.
The 2019 winter squall stands out as one of the most memorable weather events in Jordan’s recent history.
Impact of Major Storms
Major storms in Jordan lead to significant economic losses and require extensive humanitarian aid to support affected communities.
Economic Consequences
Severe storms can cause extensive damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This damage disrupts daily life and economic activities, leading to financial strain on both local governments and individuals.
Agriculture, a vital part of Jordan’s economy, often suffers as crops are destroyed and livestock is lost. Businesses may face temporary closures, resulting in lost income.
The cost of repairs and reconstruction can run into millions of dollars.
For instance, funding may be required to rebuild homes and public facilities, which often involves lengthy and expensive projects.
The overall economic burden tends to be heavier for low-income areas, exacerbating existing financial challenges.
Humanitarian Aid
When storms strike, humanitarian aid becomes crucial.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international agencies often lead relief efforts, providing food, water, and medical supplies.
Temporary shelters are set up for those who lose their homes, while healthcare services address injuries and prevent disease outbreaks.
Volunteers and aid workers play a vital role in delivering assistance and ensuring that basic needs are met.
Coordinated efforts are necessary to distribute resources efficiently and rebuild affected communities.
Emergency response plans are often activated to streamline these processes, highlighting the importance of preparedness in mitigating the storm’s effects on people’s lives.
Climate Patterns in Jordan
Jordan experiences a subtropical arid climate with distinct seasonal variations. These patterns are influenced by the area’s geography and historical trends in temperature and precipitation.
Seasonal Weather Changes
Jordan’s climate features cold winters and hot, dry summers.
Winter temperatures often drop due to the high altitude, especially on the plateau which rises between 700 and 1,200 meters (2,300 and 3,900 feet). Snow may fall in some regions, particularly in higher elevations.
The summer season is characterized by hot, sunny days, moderated somewhat by the altitude.
Amman, the capital, experiences a local steppe climate.
Precipitation is minimal, averaging around 187 mm (7.4 inches) per year, mostly falling in the winter.
Summer temperatures in Amman can reach 30°C (86°F) or higher, while winter temperatures often hover around 10°C (50°F). Coastal and lowland areas such as the Jordan Valley are much hotter and arider year-round.
Historical Climate Data
Historical climate records show that Jordan has experienced significant changes in its climatic patterns over the past century.
For instance, the average annual mean temperature in 1901 was 18.25°C, which has gradually increased.
Tafilah, a southern region, has recorded an annual average temperature as high as 25.07°C in recent years, while northern areas like Mafraq have cooler averages around 20.73°C.
Precipitation patterns also show minimal changes, with the desert-steppe climate of the plateau regions remaining largely constant.
Advanced data from the Climate Change Knowledge Portal also indicate varied climate zones across the country, impacting local weather patterns and agricultural practices.
Storm Preparedness and Response
Jordan’s storm preparedness involves coordinated efforts from both the government and local communities. These measures aim to minimize damage and enhance safety during severe weather events.
Government Initiatives
The government of Jordan has implemented several strategies to enhance storm preparedness.
The Meteorological Department regularly monitors weather patterns and provides timely warnings to the public.
They also invest in infrastructure improvements, like reinforcing dams and optimizing drainage systems, to manage and mitigate storm-related damage.
Additionally, emergency response teams are trained and equipped to act swiftly in crisis situations.
The government also collaborates with international agencies to gain access to advanced forecasting technology and resources, ensuring they remain ahead of potential natural disasters.
Community Actions
Local communities in Jordan play a vital role in storm preparedness and response.
Education programs teach residents about safety measures and storm protocols.
Schools, community centers, and local organizations often conduct drills and workshops to ensure everyone knows what to do during a storm.
Volunteer groups also assist in relief efforts, providing support and resources to affected areas.
Moreover, communities often collaborate to maintain and clear local drainage systems, reducing the risk of flooding.
These grassroots-level efforts help bolster the overall resilience and preparedness of the population against major storms.