Wild weather ahead as thunderstorms and floods predicted
Rainfall accompanied by thunder expected all across the country, but meteorologists say that although the rain has arrived, temperatures show winter isn't coming any time soon
Summer seems to be finally over in Israel, as temperatures are projected to go down over the coming week accompanied by rain and thunderstorms across the country. Tuesday night will mark the start of the change, with local showers accompanied by thunderstorms.
Meteo-Tech forecaster Tzachi Waksman told Ynet that although first showers of the new season have been and gone, a complicated rain pattern is ahead.
"Formation of rain clouds could already be seen (Tuesday afternoon) around the country, mostly in the eastern parts of Israel. There is credible concern for flooding in the desert area of southern Israel," he said.
"Rainstorms are predicted for most of Israel on Tuesday night. Not heavy rains, but there will be some thunder. We project an unusual forecast for Wednesday, with storm clouds forming along the coast line, bringing in storm winds and maybe even hail."
He also warned that there was a strong possibility of heavy rainfall and flooding.
Nonetheless, he said, winter was still not here.
"We're at the beginning of fall, therefore temperatures are still nice and warm during the day," he said, adding that the rain should decline by Thursday.
"The rainfall might resume over the weekend and maybe even get colder in the days that follow," he said.
Some rain accompanied by thunderstorms will fall throughout Wednesday, with temperatures expected to go down and the winds to become stronger.
Thursday will be partly cloudy during the morning and unusually cold for the season. There will be some rainfall along the coast, including thunderstorms and winds reaching 50 kph.
During the afternoon, the rain will spread towards the center and south of Israel, with a chance of flooding in the south and east.
Friday will remain unseasonably cool and there will be some rain along the coast and in the north, which will decline on Saturday.
Daylight savings time will end this weekend, with clocks going back an hour at 2am on the night between Saturday and Sunday.
Alexandra Lukash and Amir Alon contributed to this report
