Warning: Strong Winds and Haze to Hit Israel This Weekend

The Israel Meteorological Service (IMS) has issued a weather warning for the upcoming weekend, forecasting a significant shift from brief rain to strong eastern winds and heavy haze across the country.

The current unstable weather pattern will begin with a brief, minor rain event starting Wednesday afternoon in the north. Showers are expected to reach central Israel overnight before tapering off by Thursday morning. Immediately following the rain, temperatures will rise as eastern winds resume.

The primary concern for the weekend is the intensification of eastern winds, particularly in high-altitude regions. Winds will begin Thursday night, primarily in the Golan Heights, Eastern Galilee, and Samaria. The winds are expected to reach their maximum strength on Friday night. Forecasters predict gusts ranging between 40–60 km/h in elevated areas.

Along with the winds, significant haze is expected to return, impacting air quality and visibility: Haze will be most prominent in the mountains and eastern regions starting Friday. Conditions will worsen Friday night and continue through Saturday at noon. While experts believe this event will be less severe than last Saturday's extreme weather, visibility could still drop to 1–3 km.

The IMS notes that while the haze will not be as intense as the previous week, it will result in high levels of air pollution due to dust. The haze is expected to begin subsiding gradually on Saturday afternoon. Vulnerable populations, including those with respiratory issues, are advised to monitor air quality levels, especially in mountainous areas.