Storm Hits Cyprus With Warnings as Rain Approaches Northern Israel

A storm arrived in Cyprus on Saturday, prompting weather warnings to residents via phone alerts. The island experienced rainfall and strong winds, causing delays in flight departures and arrivals. The severe weather system was initially expected to impact Israel with heavy rain, but the Israeli Meteorological Service updated its forecast on Friday night, predicting significantly lower rainfall amounts than earlier estimates and no major disruptions or flooding.

Despite the reduced rainfall forecast, localized showers are expected overnight from Saturday to Sunday in northern and central Israel, with isolated thunderstorms mainly in the north. On Sunday morning, rain is anticipated from northern Israel down to the northern Negev region. Temperatures will drop noticeably below seasonal averages, especially in mountainous and inland areas, providing relief from recent heatwaves. Rainfall is expected to cease by Sunday afternoon.

While rain in late August is uncommon in Israel, it is not unprecedented, occurring every few years. The significance of such events is measured by rainfall volume, which is now expected to be much lower than earlier projections this week.