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Low-pressure system brings rain, thunderstorms to Lebanon through Sunday
A low-pressure system centered south of Turkey is bringing scattered rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds to Lebanon from Friday through Sunday, with heaviest rainfall expected in coastal and mountain areas. Temperatures remain below seasonal averages, and conditions are forecast to improve gradually from Sunday afternoon.
Quick Facts
- Low-pressure system affecting Lebanon and eastern Mediterranean
- Intermittent to scattered rainfall, some heavy at times
- Thunderstorms and lightning
- Active south-westerly winds
- Fog and reduced visibility on elevated areas
A low-pressure system centered south of Turkey is affecting Lebanon and the eastern Mediterranean region through Sunday evening, bringing intermittent rainfall, thunderstorms, and active winds, according to the Lebanese Meteorological Service.
Rainfall is expected to be heaviest on Friday and Saturday, particularly in coastal and western mountain areas, with lighter amounts in the Bekaa Valley. Localized flooding is possible where rainfall is heavier. The system is accompanied by relatively cool air masses, causing temperatures to remain below seasonal averages. South-westerly winds are active, gusting between 15–65 km/h, with rough sea conditions and wave heights of 1.5–2 meters. Fog is forming on elevated areas, reducing visibility on mountain roads.
Weather meteorologist Father Eli Khnaisser noted that Lebanon is being affected by the outer edges of the low-pressure system that caused flooding in Istanbul, with scattered thunderstorms most likely during midday and afternoon hours. He emphasized that while the system brings heavy rain at times, flooding risk depends on rainfall intensity, duration, location, terrain, and drainage infrastructure capacity—not automatically a repeat of Istanbul's conditions.
Conditions are expected to improve gradually from Sunday afternoon onward. By Monday, the sky will be partly cloudy to mostly clear, with temperatures beginning to stabilize. Tuesday is forecast to bring temperatures back to seasonal norms. Coastal humidity ranges from 60–80%, and sea surface temperature is around 27–28°C.
Why This Matters
A low-pressure system is bringing intermittent to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusts of 15–65 km/h to Lebanon through Sunday, with elevated flooding risk in coastal and mountain areas depending on rainfall intensity and local drainage capacity. Visibility on mountain roads is reduced by fog; sea conditions are rough with 1.5–2 meter waves. Weather is forecast to improve gradually from Sunday afternoon, with temperatures returning to seasonal norms by Tuesday. This affects transport, agriculture, tourism, and emergency services across Lebanon and the eastern Mediterranean region.
Timeline & Sources
Oct 16, 2026
WireLow-pressure system centered south of Turkey begins affecting Lebanon; intermittent rainfall, thunderstorms, and active winds begin
Oct 17, 2026
WireFriday: heaviest rainfall expected, particularly in coastal and mountain areas; scattered thunderstorms and lightning; fog on elevated areas
Oct 20, 2026
WireMonday: partly cloudy to mostly clear skies; temperatures stabilize; light rain possible in north
Oct 21, 2026
WireTuesday: temperatures return to seasonal norms
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