Israel Faces Early August Hailstorm and Flood Risks Amid Climate Crisis Warnings

An unusual weather event is expected in Israel during the night between Saturday and Sunday, bringing heavy rains, thunderstorms, and hail particularly along the northern coast near Haifa and Sharon. Dr. Amir Givati, head of the Meteorological Service, warned that these intense rains could cause flooding, especially in coastal areas, as the first significant rainfall of the season typically occurs only around October. This early onset requires local authorities to accelerate their preparations.

The forecast predicts partly cloudy skies with possible fog in the northwest Negev on Saturday night, followed by a drop in temperatures and relief from the summer heat. Rain and isolated thunderstorms will mainly affect northern and central Israel, with a risk of flooding along the coastal plain due to rainfall amounts near 30 millimeters, which approaches the capacity of urban drainage systems. The rain may continue into Sunday morning, extending from the north down to the northern Negev.

Eric Leibovitz, CEO of the Yarkon Drainage Authority, explained that while drainage systems can handle up to 25-30 millimeters of rain per hour, heavier or rapid rainfall often leads to flooding. He emphasized the need for long-term, strategic investments in drainage infrastructure, noting that many projects remain underfunded. Leibovitz called for a national recognition of climate change and flood protection as a governmental priority to secure adequate budgets.

Dr. Givati linked the extreme weather to the global "Super El Niño" phenomenon, which disrupts atmospheric patterns and causes unusual weather worldwide, including unexpected summer rains in the Middle East and droughts in Europe. Orly Babitski from the Adam Teva V'Din environmental organization criticized the government for insufficient preparation despite early warnings and urged the establishment of a funded national plan to address floods and climate emergencies. She highlighted the dual challenge Israel faces in 2026: simultaneous drought and flooding, underscoring the importance of managing runoff water to reduce floods and replenish aquifers.

With elections approaching, environmental groups are pressing candidates to prioritize climate crisis preparedness and infrastructure resilience to protect the country from increasingly erratic weather patterns.