Israel Braces for Autumnal Shift With Rain and Cooler Temperatures

Israel is set to experience a significant weather change this weekend, marking the transition to autumn. Starting Friday night, temperatures will drop noticeably, accompanied by rain in the north and center of the country, and strong winds across most regions. Meteorologist Lior Sudri told mako that some areas could see 5 to 15 millimeters of precipitation, with intermittent rain expected until Saturday morning before conditions stabilize. This marks the first significant rainfall system of the season as the summer high-pressure ridge departs.

Sudri also noted that the upcoming weeks will likely feature fewer humid days along the coastal plain, replaced by more frequent periods of heat, typical of the transitional season. The weather is expected to be pleasant and comfortable for Yom Kippur, which falls on Monday.

Leading up to the holiday, Sunday will see a slight warming trend with temperatures returning to seasonal averages. Evening temperatures are forecast to be around 25 degrees Celsius in Haifa, 26 in Tel Aviv, 21 in Jerusalem, and 23 in Beersheba. On Monday, temperatures will rise further by 3 to 9 degrees Celsius depending on the region, and Tuesday will bring continued comfortable conditions without drastic changes.

The forecast for Friday includes variable cloudiness, with a noticeable drop in temperature below seasonal averages, especially in mountainous areas. Localized rain is expected in the north and center, possibly with isolated thunderstorms, and strong winds. Saturday will be partly cloudy with comfortable, below-average temperatures, and a chance of light local rain in the morning in the north and center. Sunday, the eve of Yom Kippur, will be partly cloudy with a slight temperature increase and possible light morning rain along the coast, leading to comfortable evening weather. On Yom Kippur itself, Monday, variable to clear skies are expected with temperatures rising slightly above seasonal averages, particularly in mountainous and inland areas. Tuesday will see variable to clear skies with a slight temperature decrease, mainly in mountainous regions.