After light rain fell Saturday across Jerusalem, central Israel and the north, meteorologists warn that the brief break in stormy weather will end abruptly, with a powerful weather system expected to arrive Monday evening.
Rain will begin in the north Monday afternoon and quickly spread southward by nightfall, reaching as far as the northern Negev. Winds will intensify significantly, peaking early Tuesday morning. Gusts are forecast to reach 90–110 kilometers per hour (56–68 mph) in coastal areas, the lowlands and the hills, and potentially higher along the coast.
Stormy weather lashes Israel
(Video: Moti Kimchi, Yossi Damari, Matan Gorelnik)
Heavy rainfall is expected in the north and center of the country, with mountain regions receiving between 50 and 80 millimeters (2–3 inches) of rain, most of it falling between Monday night and Tuesday.
Due to the strong winds, unusually high amounts of rain are expected to cross east of the watershed, raising the risk of significant flash floods in the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea region starting Monday night and continuing through Tuesday. This marks the eighth major flooding event in the area in just two months, compared to only five such events throughout the entire previous rainy season.
Localized flooding and flash floods are also possible in the Jordan Valley, Jerusalem Hills, Samaria, and the Lower Galilee due to the volume and intensity of rainfall. The Israel Meteorological Service has warned of potential damage from falling trees, flying debris and infrastructure failures. Disruptions to flights are expected Tuesday morning.
Weather forecast highlights:
Saturday night: Partly cloudy to clear, with light local rain possible in northern and central Israel.
Sunday: Partly cloudy to clear with a rise in temperatures, slightly above seasonal averages, especially in the mountains and inland areas.
Monday: Partly cloudy with falling temperatures. Rain begins in the north by afternoon, spreading southward by night, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds. Snow is expected on Mount Hermon. Flash floods may begin in the Judean Desert and Dead Sea areas overnight.
Tuesday: A stormy day with strong winds, thunderstorms, and rainfall from the north to the northern Negev. Snow is forecast for Mount Hermon and the northern Golan Heights. Flash floods are likely in desert regions. Cold conditions expected countrywide. In the south, haze and local sandstorms are possible.
Wednesday: Partly to mostly cloudy with lingering light rain in the north and center. Winds will ease and temperatures will rise slightly.
Forecasted low/high temperatures for Saturday night and Sunday:
Jerusalem: 9/16°C (48/61°F)
Tel Aviv: 14/19°C (57/66°F)
Haifa: 15/19°C (59/66°F)
Safed: 8/12°C (46/54°F)
Katzrin: 9/17°C (48/63°F)
Tiberias: 12/18°C (54/64°F)
Nazareth: 12/17°C (54/63°F)
Afula: 11/18°C (52/64°F)
Beit She’an: 12/19°C (54/66°F)
Lod: 12/19°C (54/66°F)
Ashdod: 13/19°C (55/66°F)
Ein Gedi: 16/18°C (61/64°F)
Be’er Sheva: 10/18°C (50/64°F)
Mitzpe Ramon: 8/17°C (46/63°F)
Eilat: 13/21°C (55/70°F)