After a relatively stormy morning, Sunday was mostly dry, but that is about to change. Rain returned across Israel during the evening and intensified overnight, particularly in the north and central regions, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms.
Winds will also strengthen, mainly along the coastal plain and in the mountains. Monday is expected to mark both the peak of the storm and its final day.
The Israel Meteorological Service has issued a red alert, its most severe warning, for rainfall totals from morning through the afternoon in several central regions, including Samaria, the Sharon and the Hefer Valley.
According to the forecast, 50 to 75 millimeters of rain are expected in Samaria by 3 p.m. In the Carmel region, the central coastal plain, the southern lowlands and the Judean Hills, 35 to 50 millimeters are forecast during the same period. In the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea area and the northern Arava, rainfall is expected to reach 10 to 15 millimeters.
A raging river
(Video: Nature and Parks Authority)
The heavy rain is likely to cause flooding in cities, particularly in the Carmel area, the central and southern coastal plain and the lowlands. Beyond the risk of flooding in eastern riverbeds, there is also concern over flooding in central streams, including the Hadera, Alexander, Poleg, Yarkon, Ayalon and Sorek rivers.
Rain is expected to spread southward during the day as far as the Negev, while snow is forecast on Mount Hermon. Strong winds are also expected from the morning hours, with gusts reaching 80 to 100 kilometers per hour. Toward evening, rainfall is expected to weaken and gradually taper off.
A rescue on Route 80
On Tuesday, light drizzle may continue in the north and center, with temperatures near the seasonal average. On Wednesday, occasional light local rain is possible in the north, with brisk winds along the coast. Temperatures are expected to rise slightly in central and southern Israel.
Rain is forecast to strengthen again overnight. On Thursday, intermittent rain accompanied by isolated thunderstorms is expected from northern Israel to the northern Negev, with continued risk of flooding in the coastal plain and lowlands and surging rivers in eastern regions.