Still waiting for the rain? Despite forecasts of a stormy weekend, rainfall along much of Israel's coast remained relatively light Friday, with the heaviest showers falling farther east. But according to the Israel Meteorological Service, the situation is expected to change dramatically overnight, with substantial rainfall reaching coastal cities by Saturday morning.
The highest rainfall total Friday was recorded at Mavo Hama in the southern Golan Heights, where 13 millimeters (0.51 inches) fell. Ashdod received 10 millimeters (0.39 inches), with similar amounts recorded in Ashhar in the Lower Galilee, Alonim near Yokneam and Mevo Dotan in the northwestern West Bank.
Rain in Safed
(Photo: David Cohen 156 / Shutterstock)
Jerusalem and Haifa each received just 4 millimeters (0.16 inches), while the Tel Aviv metropolitan area remained completely dry. However, meteorologists say the absence of rain in central Israel is temporary, with the main storm system expected to arrive late Friday night and intensify Saturday morning.
Heavy rain and flooding expected Saturday
The rain is forecast to spread across Israel's northern, central and southern coastal regions, with particularly heavy rainfall expected along the southern coast throughout Saturday. The downpours could cause significant flooding in coastal cities, especially along the central and southern coastal plain.
Localized flash floods are also possible in streams in the Judean Desert and Dead Sea region. Strong westerly winds are expected across much of the country Saturday, accompanied by temperatures below the seasonal average.
The unsettled weather will continue Sunday, when temperatures are expected to remain lower than usual and scattered showers will persist in northern and central Israel. Rainfall should gradually weaken and become less widespread from the afternoon.
By Monday, the rain is expected to stop, although temperatures will remain below the seasonal average.