Jordan | Arab weather alert not to swim in the Dead Sea due to strong winds

Weather of Arabia - It is expected that the Kingdom will be affected during this weekend and for several continuous days, by the blowing of southeast winds with brisk speed, and the eastern winds are accompanied by very rapid gusts in the Jordan Valley and the Shafa Ghoriya areas, especially in the Dead Sea.

Arab weather warns of the danger of the waves of the Dead Sea rising significantly during this period, as a result of the activity of the eastern winds, which increases the risk of delinquency in the width of the sea water to the west, and may also lead to drowning, especially for people who are not professional in the practice of swimming.

It is noteworthy that the region rarely witnesses drowning cases related to this regard, but some incidents occurred in the past, the most recent of which was in March of 2015, which led to one death and dozens of stranded towards the Palestinian coast to the west.

Why does the risk of drowning in the Dead Sea increase when the eastern winds blow?

The winds that blow over Jordan are usually from a northwest or west direction, and are often of light to moderate speed. Therefore, it pushes the waves on the small surface of the Dead Sea lightly to medium, and for this, tourists and swimmers rush to the beach naturally and gradually without much effort, because the winds blow behind them, meaning that it is coming from the west and northwest.

In March of 2015; Two drowning accidents occurred due to the blowing of easterly to southeast winds active in the country, which means that the waves and currents rushed against the swimmers, making them unable to return to the shore as it happens on normal days when the winds are westerly.

The nature of the water of the Dead Sea, which is characterized by its salinity and high density, makes the matter more difficult for swimmers. As soon as the waves hit the faces of the swimmers, the salt water enters their eyes and mouths, which makes them unable to see, and their feeling of “luminous” begins.