Rare Snow In Lebanon; "Is This Spring?"; + Polar Vortex Breakdown: A Natural Cooling Mechanism; + Necessary Review

...the result in net cooling.

Rare Snow In Lebanon

Unusual snowfall and icy conditions have blocked major roads in Lebanon, including the vital Dahr El-Baidar route, which remains closed to all vehicles due to heavy snow accumulation.

The Internal Security Forces' Traffic Control Room reported Thursday evening that the Tarshish–Zahle road is also closed.

While some snow is expected in Lebanon's mountainous areas during winter, this level of disruption—particularly in March—is rare.

Earlier efforts by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in coordination with the Internal Security Forces, had managed to temporarily reopen Dahr El-Baidar. Snowplows and salt trucks cleared the road while security forces assisted with traffic and stranded drivers. However, worsening conditions have since forced renewed closures.

Authorities are urging drivers to avoid affected routes and follow official guidance, as road surfaces remain hazardous.

"Is This Spring?"

A powerful storm slammed the Midwest U.S. this week, toppling power lines, shutting down major highways, and burying parts of the region in snow—just as another system began forming in the Northeast on the first day of spring.