An Early Winter Polar Air Mass Penetration to the Eastern Mediterranean

A deep polar air-mass penetration to the eastern Mediterranean in November 1982 is described. The unusual weather and, in particular, the rain pattern is discussed. This event contributes to heavy rain in the inland stations, of particular importance in the semiarid zone. The stability characteristics of the polar air mall on its way to the eastern Mediterranean are investigated and compared to a similar case in the western Mediterranean. It is suggested that the land-sea distribution along the path of the penetrating polar air mass is responsible for the significant differences that were found.