Thursday's unseasonably warm weather is expected to give way overnight to rain, strong winds and dangerous sea conditions, with forecasters warning of an intense storm on Friday.
The Israel Meteorological Service issued a rare “red early warning,” saying winds could reach sustained speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour, with gusts of up to 90 kph. In some areas, particularly along the Carmel range and the Mediterranean coast, gusts could approach 100 kph, officials said.
Sea conditions are expected to be especially hazardous. Waves along the Mediterranean coast — particularly between Haifa and Tel Aviv — are forecast to reach heights of up to 6 meters, with occasional peaks of 8 to 10 meters. Meteorologists warned of potential wind and wave damage along the shoreline. The Tel Aviv municipality issued an unusual warning urging the public to stay away from beaches due to “very strong winds and exceptionally high waves.”
Rain is expected to begin overnight, first in northern Israel and then spreading to the central regions and the northern Negev. Winds will intensify overnight, especially along the coastal plain and in mountainous areas. By early morning, there is a risk of flash flooding in streams in the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea region.
On Friday, temperatures are expected to drop sharply, with rain falling from the north through the central regions and into the northern Negev. Strong winds will persist, and the sea is expected to remain dangerous. Flash flooding is possible in the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea area and the northern Negev. Hazy conditions are possible in southern Israel.
Police said sections of Highway 90, from the Dragot junction to the Dead Sea hotel area, may be closed as a precaution due to the risk of flooding.
Dr. Amir Givati, head of the Israel Meteorological Service, said the storm will be marked more by wind than heavy rainfall. “This time there will be less rain and much stronger winds,” he said in a radio interview, adding that the strongest winds are expected from late morning into the afternoon. He said the unusually strong winds are being driven by the collision between warm air currently over the region and colder air moving in from Europe.
Conditions are expected to ease gradually from Friday evening into the night. On Saturday, local rain is forecast in the north and central regions, with temperatures returning to seasonal averages. A warming trend is expected Sunday, followed by another cool-down and rain in northern Israel on Monday.