After a stormy start to December marked by heavy rain, flooding and flash floods, Israel is expected to see a sharp shift in weather in the coming days, with mostly dry conditions through the end of the month before winter weather likely returns around the New Year.
The Israel Meteorological Service said no additional rain systems are expected in the coming week, with the exception of Tuesday, when localized showers are forecast in the north and central regions, mainly along the Mediterranean coast. Rainfall totals could reach about 10 to 15 millimeters in some areas.
Long-range forecast models point to an intrusion of colder air toward the end of 2025 or early 2026, raising the likelihood of a renewed and more substantial rain system. Meteorologists said that could bring significant rainfall even to areas currently suffering from a severe precipitation deficit, particularly in northern Israel.
The contrast in conditions was evident over the weekend. Saturday’s weather was ideal for hiking, and in the western Negev the Besor Stream and its tributaries were flowing, a reminder of the heavy rains that fell there in recent days. Numerous desert pools in the Judean Desert and eastern Negev also filled following last week’s floods.
In contrast, Sa'ar Falls in the Golan Heights, which surged about 10 days ago during a storm system known as “Byron,” was dry again by Saturday. Meteorologists attributed that to below-average rainfall in the north, where precipitation has reached less than 70% of the seasonal average so far.
Temperatures were expected to rise slightly along the coastal plain, the Shephelah and the Negev, while strong easterly winds were forecast in the northern mountains. A mild warming trend is expected to continue Monday in the mountains and inland areas, with temperatures running higher than normal for the season.
A brief change is forecast Tuesday, with mostly light, localized rain in the north and along the coast, mainly north of Hadera. Conditions are expected to warm again on Wednesday.
Forecast temperatures for Sunday and overnight include:
Jerusalem 7°–17°C (45°–63°F)
Tel Aviv 13°–20°C (55°–68°F)
Haifa 14°–19°C (57°–66°F)
Safed 9°–14°C (48°–57°F)
Katzrin 9°–16°C (48°–61°F)
Tiberias 11°–18°C (52°–64°F)
Nazareth 11°–17°C (52°–63°F)
Afula 9°–20°C (48°–68°F)
Beit Shean 12°–21°C (54°–70°F)
Lod 11°–21°C (52°–70°F)
Ashdod 12°–20°C (54°–68°F)
Ein Gedi 13°–18°C (55°–64°F)
Be'er Sheva 8°–20°C (46°–68°F)
Mitzpe Ramon 8°–14°C (46°–57°F)
Eilat 12°–22°C (54°–72°F)