Lebanon Weather Forecast: Mild Autumn Turns Stormy
Lebanon and the eastern Mediterranean are currently enjoying stable autumn weather. However, this tranquil period is set to end Friday, as local weather fluctuations begin.A meaningful change is expected Saturday evening, with the arrival of a low-pressure system centered over southern Italy.
This depression, accompanied by relatively cold air masses, is forecast to bring rain, snow in higher elevations, strong winds, and even thunderstorms to the region. Engineer Ali Jaber, a researcher and weather expert, shared his insights with Lebanon Debate, offering a nuanced perspective on the approaching weather system.
“The effectiveness of the expected low has declined, after it was characterized by high effectiveness in terms of rain during the past days,”
Jaber explained. He attributed this decline to the depression’s deflection towards North Africa, a result of the influence of the tropical high-pressure system, a recurring December phenomenon. This high-pressure system acts as a barrier, preventing deep atmospheric depressions from reaching the region, frequently enough causing them to dissipate or only affecting the area marginally.
“This will happen the day after tomorrow, Friday.”
Jaber outlined two possible scenarios for the depression’s impact:
- scenario 1: The depression dissipates over the sea before reaching Lebanon, resulting in minimal, almost negligible effects.
- Scenario 2: The remnants of the depression arrive, substantially weakened, leading to scattered rain.
According to Jaber, if the second scenario unfolds, Lebanon can expect scattered rain on Sunday and Monday, with potential thunderstorms on Monday. Temperatures along the coast are predicted to drop to 17 degrees Celsius (63° Fahrenheit) on Monday, with snowfall anticipated at altitudes above 1,700 meters (approximately 5,600 feet). Strong winds are also expected.
“The state of instability will continue for two days,with atmospheric pressure values decreasing,and clear weather will return on Tuesday morning.”
This forecast highlights the dynamic nature of Mediterranean weather patterns and their potential impact on the region. While the initial prediction suggested a more significant storm, the evolving situation underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and updated forecasts.