Weather experts are tracking a rare and extreme meteorological shift that will see Israel swing from unseasonably hot and dry conditions to historic winter weather in a matter of days. While the coming weekend will see temperatures climb, peaking on Saturday with a significant heatwave across most of the country, the system is expected to "flip" violently by Sunday. A mass of cold air will penetrate the region, causing temperatures to drop dramatically, particularly in the mountainous areas.

The peak of this extreme system is expected to arrive precisely during the Lag Ba'Omer holiday celebrations. On Monday evening, as traditional bonfires are lit, temperatures in the mountains will plunge below 10 degrees Celsius. In addition to the freezing cold, northern Israel is expected to experience intermittent rain and powerful winds reaching between 60 and 80 km/h. These gale-force gusts are expected to make lighting traditional bonfires extremely difficult and potentially dangerous for holiday participants.

The most extraordinary part of the forecast concerns Mt. Hermon. Dr. Amir Givati, Director of the Meteorological Service, has confirmed that snow is expected to fall on the mountain on Monday night. Forecasters predict that up to 15 cm of snow could accumulate at the peak, and snow is even expected at the lower cable car level, which sits at an elevation of 1,600 meters. This is a historic event; snow has not been recorded at the lower cable car level in the month of May since 1967.