Israel Weather Shifts: Cooler Start to Yom Kippur, Then Warming Trend

Israel is experiencing a significant weather shift, with temperatures dropping sharply on Friday, particularly in mountainous and inland areas, falling below seasonal averages. This cooling trend is accompanied by localized showers in the north and center, with a possibility of thunderstorms and lightning early in the day. Rainfall is expected to decrease by the afternoon, concentrating in the north and potentially continuing until evening, with amounts of 10-15 mm in some northern locations. This is described as typical for the transitional season.

Looking ahead to Saturday, temperatures will dip further, with a chance of light morning rain. While the morning will be cool, the afternoon is expected to become more comfortable. The trend reverses as the evening before Yom Kippur approaches, with temperatures beginning to rise. By Yom Kippur itself, temperatures are forecast to return to average seasonal levels, with daytime conditions described as relatively warm. Heat load will be low in the mountains and moderate across most of the country.

Specific temperature forecasts for Yom Kippur include highs of 30-35°C in northern cities like Kiryat Shmona, Katzrin, and Nahariya, and up to 35°C in Tiberias. Coastal cities like Haifa will see highs around 30°C, while Jerusalem will be cooler at 26°C. Central cities such as Kfar Saba, Rehovot, and Beit Shemesh will reach 31°C, with Tel Aviv at 30°C. Southern areas like Sderot and Beersheba will see highs of 32-33°C. The Dead Sea region and Eilat will remain hot, with temperatures reaching 36°C and 38°C respectively.