Israelis in Cyprus Receive Severe Weather Alerts Ahead of Storm Approaching Israel

Israelis vacationing in Cyprus received urgent flash weather alerts on their mobile phones warning of unusual weather conditions due to an approaching storm. The alerts coincided with heavy rains expected to hit northern Israel from Saturday afternoon, spreading to other regions overnight. Several Israelis staying in Paphos reported that hotel management instructed guests to leave swimming pools until the storm passed. One Israeli tourist named Lior described the sudden onset of strong winds and darkening skies, expressing surprise at experiencing such a rare late-August storm.

While Israel is not expected to face the storm with the same intensity as Cyprus, meteorologists warn that atmospheric conditions involving cold air at high altitudes and warm, humid air near the surface could trigger localized extreme weather events. The early rainy season is anticipated to begin overnight and continue into Sunday, primarily affecting northern and central Israel, with some rain reaching the northwestern Negev region.

The weather system is predicted to bring heavy rain, lightning, thunder, and hail, raising concerns about local flooding and temporary wind gusts. Roads are expected to be particularly slippery, a common hazard during the first rains of the season, prompting authorities to advise drivers to exercise extra caution.