Lebanon remains in the grip of the severe depression known as "Adam," which has brought freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall to parts of the country. This extreme weather is part of a broader cold snap affecting seven other Arab nations, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, and Syria.

Despite global warming trends—January 2025 was recorded as the warmest January globally—some regions have experienced an unexpected return of exceptionally cold winters. Scientists attribute this phenomenon to disruptions in the polar vortex, a system of persistent low-pressure zones over the Arctic and Antarctic. When stable, these vortices trap frigid air within the polar regions. However, when they weaken, they can split and push cold air masses southward, sometimes reaching as far as North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Heavy Snowfall and Unstable Conditions in Lebanon

Father Elie Khneisser, a meteorology and climate specialist, explained that an influx of air masses from the Black Sea triggered snowfall along the coast and in northern regions from late Sunday into Monday.

“There was heavy snowfall, and a snow tsunami began sweeping through Lebanese regions. On Monday, the snow reached lower altitudes due to a sharp drop in temperatures,” Khneisser said.

He emphasized that Lebanon is not experiencing a traditional cumulative snowstorm but rather a low-pressure system interacting with extremely cold polar air masses.

"Adam is not over yet. It will encircle the Middle East in ice and pierce through your bones—no exaggeration," he warned, adding that the intense cold will persist until Wednesday evening.

Ice formation is expected in areas above 400 meters. While snowfall will subside without major accumulation, conditions will remain harsh in mountainous areas above 900 meters. Khneisser urged school administrators to exercise caution.

He also cautioned that heavy snowfall or a "snow tsunami" could hit the western mountains and parts of northern Lebanon in the coming hours due to continued moisture transport via the jet stream.

Weather Forecast for Lebanon

According to the Forecast Department at the Meteorological Service of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, temperatures will remain well below seasonal averages in the coming days:

• Monday: Cloudy with no significant temperature change, ranging between 8 and 10°C. Scattered rain and snow are expected, particularly in inland regions, accompanied by occasional strong winds. Weather conditions will gradually stabilize in the afternoon, with precipitation tapering off by evening. Ice formation is expected on roads above 500 meters overnight and in the early morning.

• Tuesday: Partly cloudy with medium-level clouds and a noticeable rise in temperatures, though still 7°C below seasonal norms. Ice formation remains a risk on inland and mountainous roads above 700 meters during the night and early morning.

• Wednesday: Partly cloudy with an additional temperature rise, though still below average. Fog is expected in high-altitude regions, reducing visibility.

• Thursday: Mostly clear with a further increase in temperatures. Fog will persist in high-altitude regions, causing poor visibility.

The ongoing effects of "Adam" underscore the unpredictability of weather patterns in a warming world, where disruptions in polar airflows can still bring extreme cold to unexpected regions.

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