Snow fell on Mount Hermon in May for the first time in 15 years Monday, as unseasonably cold, stormy weather brought rain to northern and central Israel.
The snow began falling on the upper Hermon, at an altitude of 2,000 meters. Temperatures on the mountain are expected to reach 0 degrees Celsius on Monday and Tuesday.
First May snow in years hits Mount Hermon as storms sweep Israel
Rain fell in northern Israel and parts of central Israel, accompanied by thunderstorms. The highest rainfall over the past 24 hours was 8 millimeters in Shavei Tzion near Nahariya and in Tzuriel near Ma’alot. Kiryat Shmona and Haifa recorded 6 millimeters.
Strong winds blew across much of the country, and haze was expected in the northern Negev in the afternoon.
The Meteorological Service issued several warnings because of the unusual May weather, including a red warning for dangerous and stormy seas, with waves up to 4.5 meters high. Yellow warnings were issued for thunderstorms and lightning in the north and for strong winds across many areas. Westerly winds could reach 60 kph, with gusts of up to 80 kph.
Local rain, mostly light, is possible overnight in northern and central Israel, with strong winds continuing.
Temperatures on Tuesday are expected to remain lower than usual for the season, with mostly light local rain mainly in the north and partly cloudy to cloudy skies. A slight rise in temperatures is expected Wednesday, though temperatures will remain below seasonal averages.
On Thursday, temperatures are expected to rise significantly, mainly in the mountains and inland areas, returning to normal for the season. Strong northerly winds are expected along the coast in the afternoon.
First published: 12:24, 05.04.26