Heatwaves Expected on Yom Kippur Amid Unusual September Rains

Israel is bracing for heatwaves on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which falls on Sunday evening and Monday. Temperatures in the coastal plain and the Shephelah region are expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius with 65% humidity, creating heavy heat load conditions. This follows an unusually wet September, with the current weekend marking the third rain event of the month. Northern Israel, particularly the Upper Galilee and Golan Heights, has seen significant rainfall, with Metula recording 24.5 mm, Matat and Shomra 19 mm, and Neve Ativ 18 mm. These amounts are considerably higher than the average for September, which typically sees between 3 to 5 mm. Further south, rainfall was more localized, with Ali in the Samaria region receiving 8 mm, Nitzan in the southern coastal plain 5 mm, and Tel Aviv recording 2 mm. Jerusalem received less than 1 mm. Temperatures over the weekend were lower than average, especially in the mountains, creating a distinctly autumnal feel. Looking ahead to the Sukkot holiday, temperatures are forecast to decrease slightly early in the week, becoming more comfortable. By Tuesday, a slight drop is expected in the mountains and inland areas, with a further decrease on Wednesday. Light drizzle is possible along the coastal plain on Wednesday morning.