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In Lebanon, a winter storm named “Aseel” has hit the Middle east, bringing heavy snowfall, gales, and a sharp drop in temperatures.The storm has broken a recent warm spell and is expected to intensify throughout the day. Snowfall is expected to fall on heights above 900 meters, with some northern regions seeing snow at 750 meters. Beirut is expected to see temperatures between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius due to a cold polar front entering the region. The storm is expected to gradually decline on Friday, but temperatures will not significantly rise. The frost wave will continue until next week, with a slight temperature increase on Saturday before another low-pressure system brings rain back on Sunday. Temperatures are expected to remain low until at least mid-February [3[3[3[3].
In contrast, in Libya, Mediterranean Storm Daniel has caused widespread flooding in eastern Libya, resulting in hundreds of deaths, with the death toll expected to rise [1[1[1[1]. A young man, Mohamed Al-Hasadi, had predicted the disaster in Derna two days prior but was not heeded [2[2[2[2].
Extreme Weather Conditions in the Middle East
Table of Contents
The Middle East has recently been battered by severe weather conditions, with Lebanon experiencing heavy snowfall and gales due to Winter Storm “Aseel,” and Libya facing devastating flooding from Mediterranean Storm Daniel. We interviewed Dr. Nazira amal, a renowned climatologist, to provide insights on these extreme weather phenomena.
Interview with Dr. Nazira Amal
Winter Storm “Aseel” has brought notable challenges to Lebanon. The storm has caused heavy snowfall, gales, and a sharp drop in temperatures, breaking a recent warm spell. The snowfall is expected above 900 meters,with some northern regions seeing it even lower at 750 meters. Beirut will experience temperatures between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius due to a cold polar front entering the region. The storm is expected to gradually decline on Friday, but temperatures will remain low until at least mid-Febuary.
These conditions seriously disrupt daily life. Heavy snowfall can cause traffic disruptions, power outages, and limit access to essential services. Schools and businesses often close, and emergency services may face challenges in reaching those in need. Additionally, the sharp drop in temperatures can exacerbate existing economic and humanitarian issues, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Mediterranean Storm Daniel has had a catastrophic impact on eastern Libya. It has caused widespread flooding, resulting in hundreds of deaths, with the death toll expected to rise. One of the moast compelling aspects of this is the prediction made two days prior by a young man, Mohamed Al-Hasadi, who warned about the impending disaster but was not heeded [2[2]. This underscores the importance of timely and effective emergency response mechanisms.
Both winter storms and Mediterranean storms are exacerbated by climate change. Rising temperatures can lead to increased evaporation rates, potentially intensifying storm systems. Additionally, warmer air can hold more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall. These changes contribute to more frequent and intense weather events, impacting regions not typically used to such extreme conditions. Understanding and preparedness are crucial as these trends continue.
Conclusion
The extreme weather conditions witnessed in Lebanon and Libya underscore the urgent need to address climate change and improve emergency response mechanisms.As these weather events become more frequent and severe, robust planning and preparation are essential to safeguard lives and infrastructure. Dr. Nazira Amal’s expertise has provided valuable insights into these phenomena and their broader implications for the region.
