Israel is bracing for a prolonged and potentially exceptional flooding event on Tuesday and Wednesday, with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds and hail expected across southern and eastern parts of the country, the Israel Meteorological Service said.
The storm is expected to coincide with Tuesday's national election, raising concerns about flooding and road closures, particularly in the Negev, Arava and Dead Sea regions.
A flood in southern Israel
(Photo: Noga Gibori)
Meanwhile, temperatures will continue to fall slightly Sunday as Israel switches to winter time, particularly along the coastal plain and in the lowlands. Temperatures will be typical for the season, with partly cloudy skies and some relief from the heat.
Temperatures are expected to rise Monday, reaching above-seasonal averages, particularly in mountainous and inland areas. However, localized rainfall is expected to begin overnight.
Heavy rain and flooding expected on Election Day
On Tuesday, Election Day, temperatures will fall again to seasonal averages as a significant weather system moves into southern Israel.
Beginning around midday, heavy rain is expected in Eilat, the southern Negev and the Arava, accompanied by thunderstorms, strong wind gusts and possible hail.
By evening, the rain is forecast to spread northward into additional parts of the Negev and the Dead Sea region. Localized showers are also expected in the Judean Hills and central Israel on Tuesday evening.
The Israel Meteorological Service warned that the storm could trigger prolonged and significant flash flooding, potentially reaching exceptional levels, particularly in desert streams and normally dry riverbeds across the Negev, Arava and Dead Sea regions.
Heavy rainfall and flooding could also force the closure of major roads in affected areas.
After a temporary lull overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, rain and flooding are expected to resume in southern Israel around midday Wednesday, gradually spreading into central parts of the country.
Isolated thunderstorms are also forecast during the day, while temperatures will fall slightly further to below-seasonal averages.
Forecast temperatures for Sunday (high-low): Jerusalem 25-16°C (77-61°F); Tel Aviv 27-22°C (81-72°F); Haifa 26-22°C (79-72°F); Safed 27-18°C (81-64°F); Katzrin 31-20°C (88-68°F); Tiberias 32-21°C (90-70°F); Nazareth 29-20°C (84-68°F); Afula 30-21°C (86-70°F); Beit She'an 33-23°C (91-73°F); Lod 28-21°C (82-70°F); Ashdod 27-22°C (81-72°F); Ein Gedi 31-25°C (88-77°F); Be'er Sheva 29-20°C (84-68°F); Mitzpe Ramon 26-18°C (79-64°F); Eilat 33-25°C (91-77°F).
The meteorological service warned that flooding in southern and eastern Israel could disrupt transportation Tuesday and Wednesday, with particularly hazardous conditions expected near desert waterways and flood-prone roads.