Israelis heading to the polls on Tuesday can expect a stormy election day, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and hail forecast across much of the country, along with a significant risk of flash flooding in southern desert regions.
Skies will be partly to mostly cloudy, with temperatures falling to seasonal averages. Localized rain and thunderstorms are expected in most parts of the country, intensifying toward midday and accompanied by gusty winds and hail. Significant flash flooding is possible in streams and dry riverbeds across the southern and central Negev, the Arava Valley, the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea region.
Rainbow over Kiryat Ono in August
(Photo: Pini Nantervich)
Conditions will remain partly to mostly cloudy overnight, with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible, particularly in eastern Israel.
On Wednesday, scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected to continue, mainly in eastern Israel and the southern Negev. Localized flash flooding will remain a concern in the southern Negev, Arava Valley, Judean Desert and Dead Sea region.
Temperatures will fall slightly on Thursday, with scattered showers possible from midday, mainly in northern Israel. Brisk winds are expected across much of the country.
Friday will bring another slight drop in temperatures, leaving most areas cooler than usual for the season. Light showers will continue in northern Israel, with occasional rain also possible in central areas.
Forecast temperatures for Tuesday, with overnight lows and daytime highs in Celsius and Fahrenheit: Jerusalem 17–23°C (63–73°F), Tel Aviv 21–26°C (70–79°F), Haifa 21–24°C (70–75°F), Safed 17–22°C (63–72°F), Katzrin 19–26°C (66–79°F), Tiberias 21–27°C (70–81°F), Nazareth 21–25°C (70–77°F), Afula 20–26°C (68–79°F), Beit She'an 23–29°C (73–84°F), Lod 21–27°C (70–81°F), Ashdod 22–26°C (72–79°F), Ein Gedi 24–28°C (75–82°F), Be'er Sheva 20–27°C (68–81°F), Mitzpe Ramon 18–24°C (64–75°F) and Eilat 23–29°C (73–84°F).