Where is the storm Adam? Father Kheniser explains and reveals what awaits us in the coming days
Major Weather System to Impact the Eastern Mediterranean
A significant weather event, compared to weather patterns witnessed in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the U.S., is set to impact Lebanon and the surrounding eastern Mediterranean. Father Elie Keniser, a climate scientist, has warned that this weather depression is expected to be divided into two distinct phases. But the lack of timely and widespread reporting has led to a minimized understanding.
The First Wave: Thursday and Friday
The first phase of this weather system, dubbed ‘Adam’ by meteorologists, is set to commence at dawn on Thursday and will be characterized by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Similar to blizzard conditions in parts of the U.S., this system will be accompanied by a coastal cold front. An influx of polar air is expected to bring local snowfall to elevations around 1,200 to 1,000 meters. Friday morning, the snowfall could drop to 850 meters in sporadic bursts due to plummeting temperatures. Kenifer indicated, “”Adam will be harsh in its second division due to the arrival of the Jet Sream poorest towards the eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea with limited and snow humidity.””
The unstable weather conditions on Friday are expected to continue, possibly resulting in local snowfall. Adam’s second section is projected to continue from Saturday until Monday, with temperatures in some regions around Seattle and Portland expecting frigid temperatures of about 38°F to 41°F.
The Second Wave: Saturday to Monday
On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, Lebanon is expected to experience increased humidity and a strengthening of the polar cold. This too, mirrors conditions witnessed in some parts of the U.S. during mid-winter months. The polar air is expected to bring snowfall to various regions, including the Western mountain ranges and some southern districts. Meteorologists are predicting the cold will peak on Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures dropping as low as 4°F to 14°F, similar to conditions in parts of Montana and the Dakotas. Coasts could reach temperatures between 33°F and 42°F alongside heavy snowfall in regions above 1,200 meters.
Keniser also indicated that this weather system is analogous to a depression turning into a storm, which mirrored, “”An ice storm with rain or snow accompanying a flash,””obliterating the eastern Mediterranean region states. These nations are expected to experience an increase in polar cold over a week, similar to some parts of Canada and Alaska. Temperature highs are expected to remain below 33°F during the worst of this weather depression, a phenomena similar to an El Niño event.
Preparedness and Impact
When the air depression entered Lebanon, it was determined by satellites as a period of time from Wednesday at night and until Monday, knowing that every depression is exposed to some breakthroughs, and when its effectiveness is intensified and entered into the peak, it tends to decline with the end of the period specified for it.
Continuing rainfall and dropping temperatures are expected to transition into snowfall across Lebanon and Syria, impacting the conceivable rise in global temperatures and sea levels in the Eastern Mediterranean. Similar to storm conditions in the New England season, residents should brace for power outages, road closures, and potential disruptions to daily life. Failure to prepare could result in economic losses as witnessed recently with Superstorm Sandy and, more recently, with Hurricane Irma’s landfall in the southeastern US.
Future Weather Patterns and Global Implications
This weather event highlights the broader trends of extreme weather patterns increasingly affecting various parts of the world. While the exact scope of this depression remains to be seen, climate scientists continue to emphasize the link between such events and larger climatic changes and humid environments. Effective weather prediction and communication, similar to the seasonal and broadcast emergency alert systems in the U.S., will be essential for mitigating the impacts of future weather extremes and protecting local communities.
Counterarguments and Criticism
Some critics argue that the emphasis on extreme weather events detracts from the broader issue of atmospheric moisture. They also assert that the correlation between these events and climate change is far from definitive. Additionally, the placement of blame on rising temperatures for economic and social disruptions faced by Lebanon can be misleading.
In response, meteorologists stress the importance of long-term climatic patterns over isolated events. The significant snowfall expected in northern regions and changes in atmospheric humidity underscore the potential for widespread climatic shifts and a cascading impact on social and economic stability in the coming months. As Lebanon and the wider Eastern Mediterranean prepare for this weather event, the situation serves as a reminder of the need for robust weather forecasting and preparedness measures in the region and beyond.