Scorching August Ahead as Temperatures Near 40°C
Lebanon and the eastern Mediterranean will be affected as of today by hot air masses originating from the Arabian Peninsula, leading to a rise in temperatures, particularly inland and in mountainous areas, where temperatures will exceed seasonal averages. The heatwave will peak on Sunday, when temperatures in Zahle will approach 40°C, and will continue into early next week before gradually subsiding.
A warning has been issued over the risk of wildfires in forested areas starting Thursday, as well as exposure to sunlight during peak hours.
July average temperatures: Beirut: 24°C–32°C; Tripoli: 23°C–31°C; Zahle: 18°C–34°C.
Weather forecast in Lebanon:
Wednesday: Partly cloudy to mostly clear, with a slight rise in temperatures, particularly in mountainous and inland areas, where temperatures will exceed seasonal averages. Humidity will remain high along the coast, increasing the perceived heat. Fog will form over the mountains.
Thursday: Mostly clear, with temperatures continuing to rise in mountainous and inland areas, reaching around 38°C in Zahle. Humidity will remain high along the coast, increasing the feeling of heat. Localized fog will form over mid-altitude areas, with a warning of an increased risk of wildfires in forested areas.
Friday: Mostly clear, with no significant change in temperatures. Hot weather will continue, particularly in mountainous and inland areas, with continued warnings of an increased risk of wildfires in forested areas.
Saturday: Mostly clear, with hot and oppressive conditions prevailing overnight, along with a rise in minimum temperatures and continued high humidity along the coast.
Visibility: Moderate along the coast and occasionally poor over the mountains due to fog.
Relative humidity along the coast: 60–80%.
Sea conditions: Low waves.
Sea surface temperature: 29°C.
