A cloud of dust swept into Israel around midday Friday, with haze intensifying through the afternoon and expected to linger at least until midday Saturday, as forecasters warned of reduced visibility and strong winds across much of the country.
The Israel Meteorological Service issued warnings Friday evening for thunderstorms and reduced visibility due to dust.
Heavy hail in Be'er Sheva
Meanwhile, social media users reported heavy hail in Be'er Sheva and in the northern Golan Heights.
The weather was expected to remain dusty through Friday, with local rain forecast mainly in eastern and northern Israel during the evening before tapering off overnight. Winds were expected to strengthen toward morning.
On Saturday, conditions were forecast to remain partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping sharply back to seasonal norms, brisk winds blowing in most parts of the country and a chance of local rain in the north. The haze was expected to gradually settle.
Forecasters said local rain was also possible Sunday, especially in the north, along with additional cooling. On Monday, local rain could still fall in northern Israel, with another drop in temperatures leaving readings below the seasonal average. No significant change was expected Tuesday.
Forecast temperatures for Friday and Friday night were as follows: Jerusalem, 22-18 Celsius (72-64 Fahrenheit); Tel Aviv, 23-20 C (73-68 F); Haifa, 23-20 C (73-68 F); Safed, 20-17 C (68-63 F); Katzrin, 25-20 C (77-68 F); Tiberias, 27-20 C (81-68 F); Nazareth, 25-19 C (77-66 F); Afula, 26-20 C (79-68 F); Beit Shean, 30-22 C (86-72 F); Lod, 24-20 C (75-68 F); Ashdod, 24-20 C (75-68 F); Ein Gedi, 31-27 C (88-81 F); Be'er Sheva, 27-21 C (81-70 F); Mitzpe Ramon, 24-20 C (75-68 F); and Eilat, 31-27 C (88-81 F).