Just three days after a sudden storm caused widespread damage — including the tragic death of kite surfer Lior Dadon in Bat Yam — another powerful winter system is set to hit Israel, bringing with it a series of weather warnings from the Israel Meteorological Service.
Since Sunday night, an orange alert has been in effect due to dangerous sea conditions in the Mediterranean, with waves reaching up to 1.8 meters. But starting Monday morning and continuing through Wednesday, waves are expected to surge between 2.5 and 6 meters.
Strong westerly winds of up to 50 km/h are forecast to sweep across most of the country from 10 p.m. Monday until Tuesday evening, with gusts potentially reaching 110 km/h. In response, the meteorological service issued a “red early wind warning.”
Rain is expected to begin in the north on Monday afternoon, spreading to central Israel by evening and overnight. Snow is forecast on Mount Hermon. Flash floods are expected in the Judean Desert and Dead Sea area overnight, with possible localized flooding along the southern coastal plain. The heaviest rainfall is expected in the northern and central mountain regions, with 60 to 80 mm predicted — and possibly over 100 mm in parts of Samaria, Judea and the Jerusalem hills in less than 36 hours. Coastal and lowland areas may receive between 30 and 60 mm.
Winds will intensify Monday night and peak between the early hours of Tuesday and midday. Officials warn that the storm could again result in falling trees, flying debris and infrastructure damage, potentially disrupting flights on Tuesday morning, as occurred on Friday. Winds are expected to gradually subside later Tuesday.
Heavy snowfall is expected on Mount Hermon, with snow possibly accumulating in the northern Golan Heights above 1,000 meters, and even a light dusting possible on Mount Meron.
Tuesday will bring stormy weather with rain stretching from the north to the northern Negev. Flood warnings remain in place for the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea and elevated regions in the south and coastal areas.
Temperatures will be especially cold Tuesday night: Haifa 11°C, Jerusalem 4°C, and Mount Hermon -4°C. Before the rain arrives, hazy conditions and reduced visibility are expected in the central and northern Negev due to strong winds.
By Wednesday, the storm will move on. Winds will weaken and temperatures will rise slightly. Some local showers may continue, particularly in central Israel and the northern Negev. Thursday may bring additional scattered rain, mainly in the southern coastal plain, with temperatures continuing to rise to seasonal norms.
Forecasted highs and lows for Monday and Monday night:
Jerusalem: 6°C–12°C; Tel Aviv: 12°C–18°C; Haifa: 14°C–17°C; Safed: 6°C–11°C; Katzrin: 12°C–21°C; Tiberias: 11°C–17°C; Nazareth: 11°C–16°C; Afula: 10°C–18°C; Beit She’an: 11°C–20°C; Lod: 11°C–17°C; Ashdod: 11–18°C; Ein Gedi: 13–22°C; Beersheba: 7–16°C; Mitzpe Ramon: 8–13°C; Eilat: 13–23°C