Current Weather in Lebanon

Lebanon is a country where the Mediterranean climate and mountainous terrain intersect, and cultural and meteorological awareness of the climate spans various aspects such as agriculture, religious events, daily life, and disaster prevention.

Influence of the Mediterranean Climate

Rainfall Patterns and Daily Life

• Rainfall concentrated in winter (November to March) is essential for the cultivation of olives and wine grapes.
• Summer (June to September) is dry and hot, leading to the proliferation of fountains in the yard and stone houses as a way to alleviate the heat.

Seasonal Festivals Continuing since Ancient Times

Religious Events and Harvest Thanksgiving

• Christian and Islamic festivals are held at the end of the harvest season, where families and communities share wine and olive oil.
• The festival around the spring equinox includes rituals celebrating the blessings of new shoots and young leaves, reflecting a strong consciousness of coexistence with nature.

Weather Knowledge Embedded in Daily Life

Adaptation in Clothing, Food, and Shelter

• To avoid the strong summer sun, traditional architecture features deep eaves and narrow alleys designed as heat mitigation strategies.
• With rising temperatures, lightweight linen materials and breathable clothing are preferred, fostering a lifestyle rhythm of going outside during the cool hours of morning and evening.

Disaster Preparedness and Resilience

Preparedness for Floods and Wildfires

• Community activities are conducted to share evacuation routes and emergency food supplies in preparation for landslides in mountainous areas due to winter rainstorms and wildfires during the dry season.
• Weather information is quickly communicated through radio and local mosques and churches, contributing to an increase in disaster prevention awareness.

Modern Climate Change Awareness

Impact on Tourism and Agriculture

• Changes in rainfall due to climate change are directly linked to Lebanon's branding strategy as a wine region, and the introduction of rainwater harvesting technology is progressing.
• The rise of ecotourism has brought attention to seasonal tourism plans utilizing climate data.

Summary

Lebanon's climate awareness reflects a multifaceted coexistence with nature, from ancient agricultural and religious events to modern tourism strategies and disaster prevention activities.