Weather It Is (Weather for Everyone; Who Can Complain?)

Good Afternoon:

Israel really has weather just about for everyone.

Our summers range from broiling hot to just hot, from humid to dry.  You just have to decide where you'd like to live.

This winter here in Gush Etzion we've had rain, and more rain, a period of sun, about 30 cm snow, then sun, and more sun, and we've wondered if winter would ever return, or if we would slide right into Spring.

Sometimes, our winter weather is like that of  Florida warmth, dreary like Seattle's rain, and snowy like New York's winter wonderland Central Park (is that skating rink open yet a the new Jerusalem Arena?).

This week will remind us more like Florida, but what of next week?

The latest data I've seen shows the potential for the coldest weather to arrive in the last few years.  Right now, there is a 15% chance that it will be so cold and snowy that Piglet's ears may really freeze -- so he and Pooh better get off the fence and in doors for a cup of tea, honey (or acorns, depending on your preference).  Temperatures at 850 mb may fall below -5C for a prolonged period, and below -15 C at 700 mb (both perfect temperatures for a cold, dry, accumulating snow).

Otherwise, the chance of any snow next week is about about 35%; while the chance of just winter cold and snow/and or heavy rain (except on the Hermon where there would be snow) is at 75%.

Depending on how the atmospheric waves interact and eventually resolve themselves, we're looking a the potential for 4 days below freezing, and heavier snow than our last event (a somewhat disappointing snow -- if you live in the center).

Stay tuned: but remember that there is still a greater than even chance that we'll just have rain.

Barry Lynn