A man has died and two others have been hospitalised in Jordan as the country endures one of its most extreme heatwaves in recent years. Temperatures this week have soared beyond 47°C (116°F), prompting urgent warnings from health officials.
Local media outlet Al Ghad reported that the deceased, an Arab man, was admitted to hospital in critical condition after suffering from heatstroke. He was taken directly to the intensive care unit but died shortly after arrival. The other two patients remain under medical observation and are said to be in stable condition.
Medical professionals say several heat-related cases have been reported over the past 48 hours. Heatstroke, if left untreated, can lead to organ failure and death. Health experts emphasise that symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and lack of sweating require immediate medical attention.
Authorities have issued repeated appeals for residents to take precautions. Citizens are advised to stay indoors during peak sunlight hours, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. The Ministry of Labour has ordered a halt to construction work between 12:00 and 16:00 to protect workers from direct exposure to the sun.
Officials have also warned against leaving children, the elderly, or pets inside closed vehicles, even for short periods, as temperatures inside cars can rise to fatal levels in minutes.
The heatwave has also placed strain on Jordan’s infrastructure. Prolonged use of air conditioners has caused electricity demand to spike, resulting in several incidents of electrical wires catching fire. Emergency services have been deployed to tackle small blazes reported in various parts of the country.
Universities have shifted to online teaching for the week, allowing students to study from home and minimise exposure to the extreme heat.
Climate experts note that heatwaves in the Middle East are becoming more frequent and severe, in line with global warming trends. According to meteorologists, the current conditions in Jordan are part of a larger heatwave sweeping across parts of the Levant, with no significant drop in temperature expected in the coming days.
Residents are being urged to monitor official weather updates and follow government safety guidelines.
The Ministry of Health has reiterated that heatstroke is preventable if simple precautions are taken, but it remains a serious risk in extreme weather conditions such as the current one.
As Jordan struggles through this dangerous spell of heat, officials say the priority is to protect the most vulnerable — including outdoor workers, children, and elderly citizens — until conditions ease.
