A winter heat wave sent temperatures soaring across Israel on Sunday, with parts of the country reaching nearly 30 degrees Celsius (86°F), breaking seasonal norms and approaching records not seen in more than two decades.
According to the Israel Meteorological Service, temperatures in the northern Negev climbed to 29.7°C (85.5°F) at the Besor Farm station by 1 p.m. Slightly lower temperatures were recorded in the coastal and central regions, including 28.2°C (82.8°F) at Tel Aviv’s beachfront, 28.9°C (84°F) in the city center, and 28°C (82.4°F) in Beit Dagan.
Such high temperatures during early February were last recorded in 2003, the service said, attributing the unusual warmth to a flow of dry, southern air moving into the region.
The unseasonably warm weather is expected to shift on Monday. Skies will range from mostly clear to partly cloudy, and temperatures are forecast to drop significantly, especially in central Israel. Winds will strengthen and hazy conditions are expected.
Overnight, intermittent rainfall is expected in the north and central parts of the country, possibly accompanied by isolated thunderstorms. By Tuesday morning, additional storms may occur, with temperatures returning to seasonal averages. Rain is expected to continue throughout the day, mostly in the north and center, with light local showers in the northern Negev. Rainfall is expected to weaken and taper off by evening.
Starting Wednesday, a prolonged dry and warm spell is forecast. For the first third of February, temperatures are projected to remain significantly above average, bringing a distinctly spring-like feel.
Dr. Amir Givati, director of the Israel Meteorological Service, told ynet on Sunday that the first half of February is likely to remain unusually warm. “It seems winter has disappeared,” he said. “We’re seeing spring begin earlier and earlier in recent years. The nature of the Israeli winter is changing — rainy days are becoming fewer.”