Rain and Cooler Temperatures Arrive for Weekend and Yom Kippur

Israel is set to experience a significant shift in weather as cooler temperatures and rain are forecast for the upcoming weekend, including the eve of Yom Kippur. Thursday will remain mostly clear with temperatures higher than average for the season across most of the country. Hot and dry conditions are expected inland and in the mountains, while coastal areas will be humid. Extreme heat stress is anticipated in the Sea of Galilee, Dead Sea, Jordan Valley, and Arava regions, with high to very high UV radiation levels. The Mediterranean Sea will have moderate waves.

Starting Friday morning, local rain is expected in northern Israel and along the coastal plain. Skies will be partly cloudy, and temperatures will drop considerably, especially in the mountains and inland areas, returning to seasonal averages. Tiberias could see a 7-degree Celsius drop, and Jerusalem a 5-degree drop. Winds will strengthen in most regions. The Israel Meteorological Service predicts the rain will cease by Friday afternoon. Rainfall amounts are estimated at 5-10 mm in the north, potentially reaching 15 mm in parts of the Galilee and northern coast, and around 5 mm in central Israel, primarily on Friday morning.

Saturday will be partly cloudy with no significant temperature changes. Light drizzle may persist in the north and along the coast until the afternoon. On Sunday, the eve of Yom Kippur, the morning will be partly cloudy, clearing to fair weather later in the day. Temperatures will rise slightly but remain seasonal. Yom Kippur itself is expected to have seasonal temperatures.

Specific temperature forecasts for Thursday and Thursday night include: Jerusalem 20-32°C, Tel Aviv 23-31°C, Haifa 23-31°C, Safed 21-32°C, Katzrin 21-36°C, Tiberias 23-36°C, Nazareth 22-36°C, Afula 21-36°C, Beit She'an 25-39°C, Lod 22-33°C, Ashdod 23-32°C, Ein Gedi 28-38°C, Beersheba 21-36°C, Mitzpe Ramon 23-34°C, and Eilat 30-41°C.