A powerful cold snap, named "Coral," is set to hit Israel this weekend, bringing freezing temperatures, strong winds, and snowfall across the country — including a possible snowstorm in Jerusalem for the first time in nearly two years. The Israel Meteorological Service (IMS) announced that the cold front, originating from the Arctic, will peak between Saturday night and early next week.
Dr. Amir Givati, director of the IMS, said the storm was named as part of a European initiative to give names to significant weather events. "This is the third name — and the first Israeli one — from a list we selected with our partners in Cyprus and Greece at the start of the season," he explained.
The cold snap is expected to bring an unusual drop in temperatures across the eastern Mediterranean, with icy winds and snow falling in the northern and central mountain ranges. "Coral will bring extremely cold air directly from the Arctic, along with snow in the north and center — and possibly in Jerusalem," the IMS said.
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Forecasters expect snow to begin in the northern mountains on Saturday, with flakes possibly spreading to Jerusalem and the Hebron Hills by Sunday. Snow could fall at elevations as low as 500 to 700 meters. "It's still too early to predict how much snow will fall or how much will accumulate," the IMS cautioned.
Authorities are preparing for hazardous conditions, and the Jerusalem derby between Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Jerusalem at Teddy Stadium has been moved up to Friday at 1:30 p.m. to avoid the expected snowstorm.
Medical experts have warned that the sharp drop in temperatures could pose significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, infants, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Cold weather increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, hypothermia, and cardiovascular complications, they said, urging the public to dress warmly, heat their homes, and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold.
Full Forcast
The weather this week will start mild and turn wintry as the cold snap approaches. On Tuesday, it will be partly cloudy with a slight rise in temperatures. By Wednesday, temperatures will dip, with rain starting along the coast and spreading south overnight, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms.
Snow on Mount Hermon
(צילום: אתר החרמון)
Thursday will bring colder weather, intermittent rain, strong winds, and snow on Mount Hermon, with a slight risk of flooding in the Judean Desert and Dead Sea area. On Friday, temperatures will drop significantly, and light snow may reach the highest northern peaks. The cold snap will peak on Saturday and Sunday, with icy winds and heavy snowfall in the mountains, including Jerusalem.
Daytime temperatures will reach 15°C in Jerusalem, 19°C in Tel Aviv, 17°C in Haifa, 18°C in Tiberias, 20°C in Beersheba, and 23°C in Eilat. Nighttime lows will range from 8°C in Jerusalem and Beersheba to 12°C in Tel Aviv and Ashdod.