Rain Expected Mid-Week as Thousands Visit Nature Sites During Sukkot Holiday

Approximately 70,000 visitors flocked to Israel Nature and Parks Authority sites on Saturday, the first day of the intermediate days of Sukkot, enjoying pleasant autumn weather. The favorable conditions are expected to continue for the first two days of the intermediate holiday.

However, local rainfall is forecast to begin Monday evening and intensify on Tuesday and Wednesday, particularly in the north and potentially extending to central Israel. The precipitation could be heavy, especially on Wednesday, when temperatures will also drop significantly, continuing into the second part of the holiday. Jerusalem and mountainous areas will see highs of only 23 degrees Celsius, the lowest since spring.

The Israel Meteorological Service updated its forecast, indicating a possibility of renewed and potentially substantial rainfall during the second part of the holiday, though they caution that the forecast remains distant and subject to change. Saturday saw many Israelis taking advantage of the early Sukkot weather to visit popular sites like the Banias, Ein Gedi, and Caesarea National Parks, observing signs of autumn such as blooming cyclamens and the ongoing major bird migration.

Around 3,700 Israelis also opted to spend the eve of Sukkot in the authority's overnight camping sites. Sunday's forecast predicts clear to partly cloudy skies with seasonable temperatures and a high to very high UV index. The Dead Sea area is expected to experience heavy heat, while the Mediterranean coast will be mild with waves of 30-60 cm.

Monday will see a slight temperature increase, mainly in the center and south, with scattered light showers possible in the north. Tuesday will bring cooler temperatures, below seasonal averages, especially in the center and south, with possible light drizzle in the north and coastal plain. Wednesday will be partly cloudy with further temperature drops and a chance of local rain in the north and possibly central Israel.