Ar Rusayfah Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Jordan
Temperature and Precipitation
Ar Rusayfah, Jordan experiences a hot desert climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The hottest months are July and August, with average high temperatures reaching 37°C (98.6°F). The coldest months are January and February, with average low temperatures dropping to 7°C (44.6°F). Precipitation is scarce throughout the year, averaging only around 200 mm (7.9 inches) annually. Most precipitation falls during the winter months, with occasional thunderstorms occurring in the spring and autumn.
Humidity and Sunshine
Ar Rusayfah has low humidity levels throughout the year, making the heat more bearable during the summer months. The average humidity ranges from around 40% in the winter to 20% in the summer. The city enjoys ample sunshine, with an average of over 3,000 hours per year. The sunniest months are June and July, with an average of over 13 hours of sunshine per day. The cloudiest months are December and January, with an average of around 7 hours of sunshine per day.
Monthly Average Temperatures
Ar Rusayfah, Jordan experiences significant seasonal variation in temperatures. The hottest months are July and August, with average high temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and average low temperatures around 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). The coldest months are December and January, with average high temperatures around 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) and average low temperatures around 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit).
Annual Average Temperature
The annual average temperature in Ar Rusayfah is approximately 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit). This average temperature is influenced by the city’s location in a subtropical desert climate, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average annual precipitation in Ar Rusayfah is around 200 millimeters (8 inches), which occurs primarily during the winter months.
Types of Clouds in Ar Rusayfah, Jordan
Ar Rusayfah, Jordan experiences a diverse range of cloud formations due to its varied climate and geographic location. During the summer months, the skies are often clear with occasional cumulus clouds, characterized by their puffy, cotton-like appearance. These clouds form as warm, moist air rises and condenses, creating the towering vertical structures that are common in fair-weather conditions.
In the winter, Ar Rusayfah experiences more frequent and varied cloud cover. Stratus clouds, which appear as a low, uniform gray layer, often shroud the sky, bringing overcast conditions. These clouds form when stable air masses prevent rising warm air from creating vertical development. Additionally, cirrus clouds, thin and wispy high-altitude formations, are frequently observed during the winter months. Cirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals and indicate fair weather, as they form in the cold, dry upper atmosphere.
Annual Precipitation Pattern
Ar Rusayfah, Jordan, experiences an arid climate with extremely low annual precipitation. The average annual rainfall is approximately 120 mm, making it one of the driest cities in the country. The precipitation pattern is highly seasonal, with most rainfall occurring during the winter months from November to April. During this period, intermittent storms bring sporadic showers, but the intensity and duration of rainfall are typically low. The summer months, from May to October, are virtually rainless, with the city often experiencing extended periods of drought.
Seasonal Variations in Precipitation
Within the annual precipitation pattern, there is significant variation across seasons. Winter storms account for around 80% of the city’s annual rainfall. December and January are typically the wettest months, with average rainfall ranging from 15 to 25 mm. As spring approaches, rainfall gradually decreases until reaching its peak dryness in the summer months. July and August are the driest months, with virtually no rainfall recorded. The transition from autumn to winter brings a gradual increase in precipitation, which intensifies during the winter storm season.
Rainfall Patterns
Ar Rusayfah, Jordan experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by low annual rainfall and high temperatures. The city has an average annual precipitation of approximately 150 millimeters (6 inches). The majority of rainfall occurs during the cooler months of November to April, with occasional showers during the summer. The wettest month is January, with an average precipitation of 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). Rainfall is typically sporadic and can vary significantly from year to year.
Impact on Environment and Infrastructure
The scarcity of rainfall in Ar Rusayfah has a significant impact on the local environment and infrastructure. The low precipitation levels can lead to water shortages, especially during the dry summer months. As a result, the city relies heavily on groundwater resources and desalination plants to meet its water needs. Additionally, the lack of rainfall can contribute to soil erosion and desertification, affecting the agricultural productivity of the surrounding areas. To mitigate these challenges, various water conservation measures, such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation systems, have been implemented in the city.
Historical Snowfall in Ar Rusayfah
Ar Rusayfah, a city in northern Jordan, has witnessed sporadic snowfall throughout its history. The most significant snowfall occurred in January 2013, when the city received an accumulation of over 20 centimeters of snow. This event caused widespread disruption to transportation and daily life, with schools and businesses closing for several days. The snowfall was accompanied by strong winds and sub-zero temperatures, creating hazardous conditions for residents.
Impact of Snowfall
The snowfall in Ar Rusayfah has had a significant impact on the local community. The heavy snow accumulation led to power outages, water shortages, and the collapse of some buildings. Traffic was brought to a standstill, and emergency services struggled to reach affected areas. The snowfall also caused damage to crops and infrastructure, leading to economic losses. In addition, the extreme cold temperatures posed health risks to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children.
Sunrise and Sunset Times in Ar Rusayfah, Jordan
Ar Rusayfah, Jordan experiences significant seasonal variations in the timing of sunrise and sunset. During the summer months (June to August), the sun rises between 5:30 and 6:00 AM and sets between 7:30 and 8:00 PM. The days are long and the nights are relatively short, providing ample daylight hours for outdoor activities.
In contrast, during the winter months (December to February), the sun rises later and sets earlier. Sunrise typically occurs between 6:30 and 7:00 AM, while sunset takes place between 5:00 and 5:30 PM. The days are shorter and the nights are longer, reducing the amount of daylight available.
Daylight Savings Time in Ar Rusayfah, Jordan
Jordan does not observe daylight saving time (DST). Therefore, the time remains the same throughout the year, without any adjustments in the clocks during spring or autumn. This means that the hours of sunrise and sunset vary naturally with the changing seasons, as the Earth’s position relative to the sun changes throughout the year.
History of the Moon in Ar Rusayfah, Jordan
Ar Rusayfah, Jordan, is home to a unique astronomical site that features a large crater believed to have been formed by a meteorite impact millions of years ago. The crater, known as the Ar Rusayfah Crater, is approximately 5 kilometers in diameter and is surrounded by a rim of hills that rise up to 100 meters high. The crater is believed to have been formed by a meteorite impact that occurred approximately 400 million years ago. The impact would have released an enormous amount of energy, creating a massive shock wave that would have caused the ground to collapse and form the crater.
The crater has been extensively studied by scientists, who have collected samples of the rock and soil from the site. These studies have revealed that the crater was formed by a meteorite that was approximately 2 kilometers in diameter and struck the Earth at a speed of approximately 20 kilometers per second. The impact would have created a massive explosion that would have released an enormous amount of heat and energy, causing the ground to melt and vaporize. The molten rock and vapor would have been ejected high into the atmosphere, and as it cooled, it would have condensed and fallen back to the Earth in the form of glass beads. These glass beads are found scattered throughout the area surrounding the crater and are a testament to the power of the impact.
Humidity in Ar Rusayfah, Jordan
Ar Rusayfah, Jordan, experiences a dry climate with low humidity levels throughout the year. The average annual humidity is around 50%, with variations depending on the season. During the summer months, humidity levels can drop to as low as 20% during the day, but rise to around 60% at night due to the formation of dew. In the winter months, humidity levels are slightly higher, ranging from 40% to 70%, as the air cools and can hold less moisture.
The low humidity in Ar Rusayfah is primarily due to the city’s location in the rain-shadow zone of the Jordanian mountains. The mountains block moisture-carrying clouds from reaching the city, resulting in low precipitation and dry air. Additionally, the proximity to the Jordanian Desert contributes to the dry conditions, as the desert air tends to have low moisture content. The lack of humidity has several implications for the city’s residents, including the need to use humidifiers in homes and offices to maintain comfortable indoor air quality, especially during the winter months.
Wind Speed
Ar Rusayfah experiences a range of wind speeds throughout the year. In general, the wind is strongest during the summer months, when it can reach an average speed of 20 km/h. During the winter months, the wind is typically weaker, with an average speed of around 10 km/h.
Wind Direction
The prevailing wind direction in Ar Rusayfah is from the north-west. This is due to the topography of the surrounding area, which is dominated by the Jordan Valley. The north-westerly wind is often strong and steady, and it can cause dust and sandstorms during the summer months. During the winter months, the wind direction is more variable, and it can come from any direction.
Visiting Ar Rusayfah in Spring and Autumn
Ar Rusayfah experiences its most pleasant weather during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the temperature ranges from a comfortable 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit), with occasional showers that keep the air fresh and the skies clear. The moderate temperatures make it ideal for exploring the city’s historical sites, such as the Jordan Gate Fort, or taking a leisurely stroll through the picturesque gardens of the Royal Botanic Garden.
Visiting Ar Rusayfah in Summer and Winter
Summer (June to August) in Ar Rusayfah is characterized by scorching heat, with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). While the heat can be oppressive at times, it is possible to find respite in air-conditioned indoor spaces or take advantage of the early morning or late evening hours to explore the city. Winter (December to February) brings chilly weather, with temperatures dropping to around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). Although rain is common during this season, the city still offers plenty of indoor activities, including visiting museums and shopping in covered malls.
Solar Potential and Resource
Ar Rusayfah, situated in Jordan’s western desert region, holds significant solar potential due to its high levels of solar radiation. The region experiences clear skies and low humidity, resulting in some of the highest solar irradiance levels in the Middle East. The annual average solar radiation is estimated to be around 2,200 kWh/m2, offering a substantial resource for harnessing solar energy.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its solar potential, Ar Rusayfah faces challenges in fully exploiting its solar resources. The major obstacle is the lack of adequate infrastructure for large-scale solar development. The existing electrical grid network and transmission capacity may need upgrades to accommodate the integration of significant solar power. Additionally, land availability can be a concern, as many areas in the region are used for agriculture or other purposes. However, there are ongoing efforts to address these challenges and maximize solar energy utilization. The Jordanian government has implemented policies to promote solar energy development, including incentives for renewable energy projects and plans for grid infrastructure improvements. With careful planning and investment, Ar Rusayfah has the potential to emerge as a leading hub for solar energy in Jordan and the wider Middle East.
Elevation and Relief:
Ar Rusayfah, Jordan, lies within the Jordan Rift Valley, a geographical depression featuring diverse topography. The city is primarily located at elevations between 500 and 1,500 meters (1,640 and 4,921 feet) above sea level. Ar Rusayfah is characterized by a relatively flat terrain, with gentle slopes rising toward the surrounding hills and mountains. The Jordan River flows to the west of the city, while the Arabah Valley stretches to the south.
Geological Features:
The geology of Ar Rusayfah is predominantly influenced by the Jordan Rift Valley’s tectonic activity. The city is situated on a sedimentary rock formation known as the Al Hasa Formation, which dates back to the Miocene Epoch. This rock formation consists of sandstone, shale, and limestone, providing a rich source of fossils and minerals. The area also exhibits evidence of volcanic activity, with the presence of basalt flows and volcanic craters surrounding the city. Natural springs emerge from the slopes of these hills, supplying a vital source of water for the local population.
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is the primary international airport serving Jordan. It is located approximately 30 kilometers south of Amman, the capital city of Jordan. AMM serves as the hub for Royal Jordanian, the national carrier of Jordan. The airport has two passenger terminals, with the new terminal opening in 2013. AMM offers a range of amenities and services, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and currency exchange. It is well-connected to the city of Amman and other parts of Jordan via bus, taxi, and rental car services.
Other Nearby Airports
In addition to Queen Alia International Airport, there are several other smaller airports in Jordan that may be closer to Ar Rusayfah. These include:
- Marka International Airport (AMM): Located in Amman, Marka International Airport is a smaller airport that primarily handles domestic and regional flights. It is located approximately 15 kilometers from Ar Rusayfah.
- Aqaba King Hussein International Airport (AQJ): Located in Aqaba, Aqaba King Hussein International Airport is another international airport that primarily serves the southern region of Jordan. It is located approximately 300 kilometers south of Ar Rusayfah.
- Azraq Royal Jordanian Air Base (AZQ): Located in Azraq, Azraq Royal Jordanian Air Base is a military air base that also occasionally handles civilian flights. It is located approximately 100 kilometers east of Ar Rusayfah.
Economy
Ar Rusayfah boasts a thriving economy centered around the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and information technology industries. It is known for its industrial zone, home to numerous factories and manufacturing plants producing a wide range of goods. The Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, a major supplier of phosphate rock, also has a significant presence in Ar Rusayfah. In recent years, the city has witnessed a surge in technology-related businesses and startups, contributing to its economic growth.
Education and Healthcare
Ar Rusayfah places a high emphasis on education and healthcare. It is home to several respected universities and educational institutions, including the University of Jordan, the Balqa Applied University, and the German Jordanian University. The city also boasts a modern and well-equipped hospital, providing quality healthcare services to its residents and neighboring communities. Furthermore, Ar Rusayfah has a network of public and private schools, ensuring access to education for all ages and backgrounds. The city’s commitment to human capital development and social welfare has contributed to its overall progress and well-being.