Lebanese people often look forward to summer to enjoy the beautiful weather that this small corner of the East is renowned for, especially if they want to spend it on the beach or in the mountains. However, despite its beauty, hot weather can be a curse for the Lebanese, especially with warnings about wildfires that could threaten any remaining forests in the "land of the cedars." So, are heatwaves expected in the coming days?
Mohammad Kanj, head of the forecasting department at Rafic Hariri International Airport’s meteorological service, confirms, "We expected the first days of July to be below average, and that’s what is happening now in Lebanon. The average on the coast in Beirut generally ranges between 24 and 32 degrees, with the maximum temperature reaching approximately 31 degrees."
Kanj notes, in an interview with MTV, that "the temperatures do not rise significantly during this period because there are low-pressure systems over the Black Sea, which causes the hot air masses that usually come from Egypt and the Arabian Gulf. Therefore, our coast is still somewhat 'cool.'"
He explains that "Lebanon is one of the areas most affected by heatwaves; we saw a noticeable decrease in temperature averages in June."
Kanj reveals that next week, starting from July 18, we will see a slight increase in temperatures for about three days, but the temperatures will remain within their averages. However, the new development is that the lowest recorded averages will rise, which may tire the bodies of children or the elderly in the coming days.
He explains that this increase is due to the moist clouds resulting from a type of global warming. He concludes that there is no expected heatwave in the coming days, nor are there exceptional temperatures above the averages.
Finally, "the weather pleads with the Lebanese because it may know that there will be no electricity or water, and it is impossible for us to endure significant increases in temperature. But do the officials realize that after summer, winter’s fate is uncertain?"
