The first rainfall of the Jewish New Year was to arrive in Israel late Wednesday night, bringing scattered showers to northern and central parts of the country just two days after Rosh Hashanah.
The Israel Meteorological Service said rain would intensify overnight before tapering off Thursday morning. While the system is short-lived, officials said it could still bring heavy bursts along the northern coast, the Sharon region and the central coastal plain.
“We can definitely define these upcoming showers as the yoreh — the first rainfall of the season — even if they won’t be felt in many areas,” said Dr. Amir Givati, the service’s director.
Rainfall totals are expected to reach 3 to 5 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inches) in some coastal areas, with localized amounts of up to 15 millimeters (0.6 inches) in the north, Mount Carmel and the Sharon, according to the forecast.
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Map showing expected accumulated rainfall (in millimeters) from Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon
(Photo: The Israel Meteorological Service)
Givati said the system originated from relatively cold air moving from central Europe and northern Greece, colliding with the warm waters of the Mediterranean. “Although the amounts aren’t large or widespread, for late September it’s definitely something to be grateful for,” he said.
Temperatures are expected to drop below seasonal averages Thursday, with showers likely in northern and central Israel and strong winds in the mountains. The rain is forecast to weaken by evening. A slight warming trend is expected Friday and Saturday, returning conditions to normal for this time of year.