Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Frost in Jordan

Abstract

Surface frost is a permanent natural hazard that affects almost all areas in Jordan. Daily grass minimum temperatures at seven stations representing the three geographic zones (the Jordan Valley, mountains, and desert) in the country were used to carry out the analysis. A set of years ranging from 68 (for Amman Airport) to 24 years was used in this investigation. Data were tested for normality using a variety of robust statistical procedures. The main objective of the present study is to describe the stochastic nature of frost at these stations. Early and late frost and number of frost-free days were extracted in this investigation. Frost in Jordan occurs as early as the beginning of October, and late frost can last until May or even as late as June, as is the case in the southern mountains. The probability of early and late dates of frost is presented for the various stations. Compensation provided by the government should take into account the probability of frost hazard before / after the date of occur...