After a long summer of intense heat, Israel's weather is expected to change dramatically.
Beginning on Saturday night, an unusual summer weather system is expected to bring rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds, especially in northern Israel.
The Israel Meteorological Service is warning of possible localized flooding; strong winds and haze are already felt in many areas.
The system, considered particularly unusual for late August, is expected to be somewhat weaker than initially forecast but will still bring a significant change in the weather. According to the forecast, rainfall will be concentrated mainly in the Western Galilee, Upper Galilee, and Golan Heights, although other parts of northern Israel may also see local showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
Even before the rain began, gusts of up to 70 km/h were recorded across the country, while haze reduced visibility from northern Israel to the Negev. Due to the unusual weather conditions, singer Marina Maximilian's performance at Ariel Sharon Park was canceled after safety approval for the event was not granted.
Preparations are also underway around the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) ahead of the stormy weather. The Kinneret Cities Association warned that strong winds could carry swimmers and vessels farther into the lake and urged the public to avoid using flotation devices and to beware of falling branches and objects that could be blown about by the wind.
The storm has already affected Israel's neighbors. In Cyprus, winds and rain caused trees to fall, roads to be blocked, power outages, and damage to greenhouses, while flooding, lightning strikes, and weather-related damage were reported in several areas of Lebanon.
The Israel Meteorological Service stressed that despite the dramatic forecasts, this is not a widespread winter weather system. Most of the rain is expected in northern Israel, where some areas could receive significant amounts and experience localized flooding. Central and southern Israel are expected to see mainly clouds and winds, with only the possibility of local showers.
According to the forecast, the system will last through Sunday, but there may still be local rain in northern Israel on Monday.
By Tuesday, with the start of the school year, conditions are expected to stabilize, skies will clear, and temperatures will return to slightly above the seasonal average.
Meanwhile, the Israel Meteorological Service is urging the public to remain alert, follow updated weather forecasts, and avoid areas prone to flooding during thunderstorms.