Meteorology

Abstract

Two key factors in the climate of the Lake Kinneret surrounding affect significantly the physical characteristics of the lake: the relatively high temperatures year round (annual mean of 21 °C) and the wind regime over the lake, attaining a speed of ~ 10 ms−1, in particular during the afternoon in the months of May-September. Both factors are most important for the determination of the lake’s energy balance. The water balance is controlled by the rainfall on the lake watershed. The low annual rainfall on the lake itself (400 mm) with respect to its immediate surroundings (~ 700 mm) is attributed to the unique topography of the lake, with an elevation of approximately 210 m below sea level, compared to 500 m above sea level of the mountains to the east and > 1,000 m to the northwest. Ninety percent of the rainfall over North Israel and Lake Kinneret results from Cyprus lows, low-pressure systems characterizing the mid-latitudes as well as the Mediterranean basin. The Cyprus lows pass the north of Israel and therefore produce the westerly winds, which transport moist air from the Mediterranean into North Israel.