Meteorological Department: Installation of an advanced weather radar in Ma'an Governorate to enhance the early warning system

The Jordanian Meteorological Department continues to implement its development plans aimed at strengthening the national early warning system and raising the Kingdom’s readiness to deal with extreme weather phenomena, through the project to establish a modern weather radar in the Al-Hisha area of Ma’an Governorate, which is one of the strategic projects supporting climate security and public safety.

The Director General of the Meteorological Department, Raed Rafed Al Khattab, explained that the project comes within the department’s vision to develop the meteorological monitoring infrastructure and modernize monitoring and early warning systems according to the latest international standards, which contributes to enhancing the ability to monitor and follow up on different weather conditions with greater accuracy and efficiency.

Al-Khattab added that the technical and field studies for the project have been fully completed, and the radar site was chosen in the Al-Hisha area of Ma’an Governorate at an altitude of approximately 1,720 meters above sea level, due to the site’s technical advantages that allow for wide coverage of the southern regions of the Kingdom, and enhance the efficiency of aerial monitoring and tracking.

He explained that the new radar will contribute to improving the monitoring of clouds, thunderstorms, heavy rains, flash floods and dust storms, in addition to monitoring violent weather phenomena that have become more frequent and impactful as a result of climate change, which enhances the ability of the concerned authorities to take appropriate proactive measures to protect lives and property.

Al-Khattab stressed that the project constitutes a qualitative addition to the national monitoring network, and will support weather forecasting and early warning operations in various regions of the Kingdom, especially in the southern governorates, which will positively impact various vital sectors and enhance the level of public safety.

He pointed out that the project's timeline aims to complete the implementation and operation work during 2027, so that the radar will be an essential part of the national early warning system that the Meteorological Department is continuously developing and updating.

Al Khattab concluded by saying: “This project is in line with national directives aimed at enhancing preparedness to deal with natural hazards and climate change, and confirms the Meteorological Department’s commitment to continue investing in modern technologies and developing its services to achieve the highest levels of accuracy and efficiency in serving the nation and its citizens.”

The Al-Hisha radar project is one of the important national projects that will contribute to enhancing the Kingdom's capabilities in the field of weather monitoring and early warning, and supporting the risk and disaster management system, in line with rapid climate developments and enhancing Jordan's ability to deal with future weather challenges.