Israel’s spell of unseasonable heat is giving way to rain, powerful winds and unusually high waves, as a short but intense storm sweeps across the country.
Rain began falling early Friday in northern Israel and later spread to the central region. Ahead of the storm, the Israel Meteorological Service issued a rare red alert warning that sustained winds could reach 70 kph, with gusts of up to 110 kph during the day. The warning, in effect until 10 p.m., covers the northern mountains, the Carmel, the northern, central and southern coastal plain, the central highlands, northern Samaria and the Negev Highlands.
Along the Mediterranean coast, particularly from the Haifa area to Tel Aviv, wave heights are expected to reach about 6 meters, with brief peaks of 8 to 10 meters. The Meteorological Service warned of wind damage and hazardous sea conditions. In an unusual move, the Tel Aviv municipality urged the public to stay away from the coastline due to “very strong winds and exceptionally high waves.”
Intermittent rain is forecast from northern Israel to the northern Negev, accompanied by strengthening winds, especially along the coast and in mountainous areas. Meteorologists warned of a risk of flash flooding in streams in the Judean Desert and around the Dead Sea.
Temperatures are expected to drop sharply during the day, and the sea is forecast to be dangerous. There is also a risk of flooding in the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea region and the northern Negev. Haze is possible in southern areas. Due to expected flooding, police said Highway 90 could be closed at times between the Draga Junction and the Dead Sea hotel area.
Dr. Amir Givati, director of the Israel Meteorological Service, said Thursday that this system would bring less rain but much stronger winds. “Very strong winds are expected from the late morning hours, especially around midday,” he said. “In places like the Carmel Mountains and along the coast, gusts could reach even 100 kph.” He attributed the strength of the winds to the meeting of warm air currently over the region with colder air pushing south from Europe.
Rain and winds are expected to gradually weaken Friday evening and overnight into Saturday. On Saturday, local rain is still possible in northern and central Israel, with a further slight drop in temperatures to seasonal levels. A warming trend is forecast for Sunday, followed by another cooldown and renewed rain in the north on Monday.
Forecast temperatures for Friday:
Jerusalem 8 to 13, Tel Aviv 16 to 19, Haifa 11 to 18, Safed 7 to 13, Katzrin 12 to 21, Tiberias 12 to 18, Nazareth 12 to 17, Afula 12 to 19, Beit Shean 13 to 21, Lod 14 to 18, Ashdod 15 to 19, Ein Gedi 15 to 21, Beersheba 12 to 17, Mitzpe Ramon 9 to 16, Eilat 15 to 22.