Why haven't the dams in northern Jordan filled up despite the abundant rainfall?

Arab Weather: Despite the good rainfall during the current season, most of the dams in northern Jordan have not filled with water, which has raised questions among citizens about the water situation in the governorates of Irbid and Ajloun, which include vital dams such as: Al-Wahda Dam, Wadi Al-Arab Dam, Sharhabil Bin Hasna Dam (Zaqlaab), and Wadi Kufranja Dam.

Rain alone is not enough

Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud Al-Shuraida, a researcher in agricultural heritage, confirmed that the filling of dams is not only related to the amount of rainfall, but also to a group of environmental and climatic factors that have accumulated over time.

Al-Shuraideh pointed out that the previous rainy season, 2024/2025, was exceptionally dry, with rainfall not exceeding 40% of the annual average. This resulted in severe drought affecting essential environmental elements: water, soil, and vegetation. This drought negatively impacted the ability of water basins to generate effective surface runoff.

This season: Good rainfall… but not enough

During the current rainy season 2025/2026, Irbid Governorate witnessed three major weather depressions and several cases of atmospheric instability. The amount of rainfall reached about 40% of the annual average of about 450 mm, distributed over 12 rainy days.

Although this amount is considered relatively suitable, it is not enough to achieve effective feeding of the dams, according to Al-Shuraida, who explained that surface runoff requires long-term rainfall depressions and soil that is saturated with water beforehand, which has not happened yet.

Natural factors limit the flow of water to dams

Al-Shuraida also pointed out that the drying up of valleys, water springs and tributaries feeding the dams contributes directly to the decrease in the amount of stored water.

In addition, the density of vegetation and forest cover in water catchment areas, and land reclamation operations through the creation of stone terraces on valleys, play a dual role; they prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility, but they also reduce the amount of water that reaches the dams directly.

In summary: Time accumulation is more important than instant abundance.

Al-Shuraida concluded his speech by emphasizing that the filling of dams depends on the temporal accumulation of rainfall and its pattern, and not just on its current abundance, calling for a scientifically in-depth reading of the water landscape, far removed from superficial impressions and impressions.