Some 70,000 Israelis took advantage of the pleasant Sukkot weather Saturday, visiting Israel Nature and Parks Authority sites across the country.
Conditions are expected to remain comfortable during the first two days of Chol Hamoed, but local rain is forecast from Monday evening, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday, in northern Israel and, according to updated models, also in central areas.
The rain could at times be heavy, especially Wednesday. Temperatures are also expected to fall that day, with the cooler conditions continuing into the second holiday.
In the mountains and Jerusalem area, temperatures are expected to reach only 23 degrees Celsius, the lowest since last spring.
The Israel Meteorological Service said rain could return during the second holiday, possibly in significant amounts, although the forecast remains several days away and could still change.
Many Israelis spent the opening of Sukkot at nature reserves and national parks, where signs of autumn are already visible, from blooming sea squill and coastal lilies to the major bird migration now passing through Israel.
Stargazing at the Mount Kanaim campground
(Photo: Yosef Alkarishi, Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
Swimming at Gan HaShlosha
(Photo: Asaf Dori, Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
Hikers at Tel Dor National Park
(Photo: Rinat Russo, Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
Among the most visited sites were Gan HaShlosha, Ashkelon, Apollonia, Caesarea and Ein Hemed national parks, as well as the Banias, Ein Gedi, Dor Habonim and Coral Beach nature reserves.
About 3,700 Israelis also spent the Sukkot eve at Israel Nature and Parks Authority campgrounds, including Maayan Harod, Hurshat Tal, Achziv and Khan Be'erot.
The forecast
Sunday will be clear to partly cloudy, with temperatures near seasonal averages and no significant change. UV levels are expected to be high to very high. Heavy heat stress is forecast around the Dead Sea. The Mediterranean will be calm to moderately wavy, with waves of 30 to 60 centimeters.
On Monday, temperatures will rise slightly, mainly in central and southern Israel. Occasional local rain, mostly light, is expected in the north.
On Tuesday, temperatures will fall, mainly in central and southern Israel, dropping below seasonal averages. Drizzle or light local rain is possible, particularly in northern Israel and along the coastal plain.
Wednesday will be partly cloudy, with another drop in temperatures. Local rain is possible, mainly in the north but potentially also in central Israel.
Forecast highs and lows for Sunday and Sunday night: Jerusalem 16-26, Tel Aviv 22-29, Haifa 21-28, Safed 16-27, Katzrin 19-30, Tiberias 20-32, Nazareth 20-30, Afula 19-31, Beit She'an 22-34, Lod 21-29, Ashdod 21-29, Ein Gedi 24-32, Beersheba 19-30, Mitzpe Ramon 17-29 and Eilat 25-36