After days of intense rainfall across the country, Israel woke Tuesday to calmer weather, though more storms are expected later in the week.
The winter system left unusually high precipitation levels, with more than 100 millimeters (nearly 4 inches) falling in several communities.
Powerful winter storm lashes Israel
The highest rainfall total was recorded in the West Bank settlement of Kedumim, where 118.9 millimeters (4.68 inches) fell, including 54.1 mm (2.13 inches) on Monday alone. Close behind was Neve Tzuf in the Binyamin region, with 118.1 mm (4.65 inches). Central Israel’s Kibbutz Nachshonim reported 94.4 mm (3.71 inches), followed by Tzur Hadassah with 93.9 mm (3.7 inches).
Jerusalem saw 84.7 mm (3.33 inches) of rain in recent days, Ariel 77.3 mm (3.04 inches) and Tel Aviv 74.3 mm (2.93 inches). Other notable totals include Beit Shemesh with 69.9 mm (2.75 inches), Ben Gurion Airport with 66.9 mm (2.63 inches) and Nazareth with 65.5 mm (2.58 inches).
Rainfall was widespread, from Merom Golan in the north (64 mm / 2.52 inches) to Kibbutz Be’eri near the Gaza border (57.1 mm / 2.25 inches). Even southern cities like Be’er Sheva (53.2 mm / 2.09 inches) saw significant rain, though Eilat remained dry.
Since the start of the winter season, Neve Tzuf leads with 431 mm (17 inches) of rainfall, followed by Shavei Zion south of Nahariya with 395 mm (15.55 inches) and the Haifa Port station with 352 mm (13.85 inches).
Cumulative totals in major cities this season include Tel Aviv with 239 mm (9.4 inches), Jerusalem with 212 mm (8.35 inches), Be’er Sheva with 173 mm (6.8 inches, about 90% of its annual average), Haifa with 352 mm (13.85 inches), Ashkelon with 295 mm (11.6 inches) and Eilat with 12 mm (0.47 inches).
Weather forecast
Tuesday will remain mostly mild, with a chance of light rain in the north and along the coast. Temperatures are expected to remain near seasonal averages. Wednesday may bring isolated showers in the north with a slight rise in temperatures.
Rain is forecast to return overnight Wednesday into Thursday, the first day of 2026. The day is expected to be rainy, with a slight temperature drop, thunderstorms in the north and center, strong winds and localized flooding risk in coastal and lowland areas. Rain is expected to reach the northern Negev by afternoon, with flash flood concerns in the Dead Sea region and Judean Desert.
Light rain may continue Friday from the north down to the Negev.
Forecasted highs and lows (°C / °F):
Jerusalem: 7–13°C (45–55°F)
Tel Aviv: 13–18°C (55–64°F)
Haifa: 13–18°C (55–64°F)
Safed: 6–11°C (43–52°F)
Katzrin: 7–12°C (45–54°F)
Tiberias: 11–15°C (52–59°F)
Nazareth: 11–15°C (52–59°F)
Afula: 11–17°C (52–63°F)
Beit She’an: 12–18°C (54–64°F)
Lod: 11–18°C (52–64°F)
Ashdod: 12–18°C (54–64°F)
Ein Gedi: 11–17°C (52–63°F)
Be'er Sheva: 9–17°C (48–63°F)
Mitzpe Ramon: 6–13°C (43–55°F)
Eilat: 12–20°C (54–68°F)