Clear and comfortable weather across Israel in recent days is expected to change over the weekend, with strong winds, dust storms and scattered rain forecast in many areas.
Light rain is expected to begin on Friday afternoon in parts of the country. By Saturday, a low-pressure system moving north from the south is forecast to bring powerful winds across large areas.
In the south and in the central highlands, winds could be particularly strong, with gusts of 80 to 90 kilometers per hour (50 to 56 mph) or higher.
Temperatures are not expected to change significantly during the system, but visibility may be reduced due to haze and dust. Significant sandstorms are forecast in the Negev Desert.
Local rain is expected in most regions of the country, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms.
In the Negev and the Dead Sea area, forecasters warned that continuous rainfall could lead to localized water accumulation, even if rainfall amounts remain relatively modest. Dust storms are expected in the south, along with a noticeable rise in temperatures that will be higher than usual for the season.
During the night, as the low-pressure system moves northward, the weather is expected to take on more winter-like characteristics, with rain concentrating mainly in northern and central Israel.
On Sunday, temperatures are expected to drop noticeably, with rain continuing in the north and center and a chance of isolated thunderstorms. Humidity levels are also expected to rise.
Light rain may continue Monday before gradually tapering off, with temperatures remaining below seasonal averages.
Forecast temperatures for Friday:
Jerusalem 18°C (64°F) – 8°C (46°F); Tel Aviv 20°C (68°F) – 11°C (52°F); Haifa 19°C (66°F) – 13°C (55°F); Safed 16°C (61°F) – 8°C (46°F); Katzrin 20°C (68°F) – 8°C (46°F); Tiberias 21°C (70°F) – 11°C (52°F); Nazareth 20°C (68°F) – 11°C (52°F); Afula 22°C (72°F) – 7°C (45°F); Beit She’an 24°C (75°F) – 11°C (52°F); Lod 21°C (70°F) – 10°C (50°F); Ashdod 20°C (68°F) – 9°C (48°F); Ein Gedi 25°C (77°F) – 15°C (59°F); Be’er Sheba 22°C (72°F) – 8°C (46°F); Mitzpe Ramon 22°C (72°F) – 11°C (52°F); Eilat 27°C (81°F) – 16°C (61°F).