Israel Braces for Unusually Heavy Rains, Double Average

Israel's Meteorological Service has issued a forecast for an exceptionally wet rainy season, with initial projections indicating rainfall amounts could be double the average, particularly in October. The service's long-range models consistently point to a significant increase in precipitation across Israel and the wider region for the first three months of the season: October, November, and December.

October is highlighted as the month with the most extreme deviation from the norm, potentially seeing twice the average rainfall. Forecasters warn that the intensity and spatial variability of the expected October rains increase the likelihood of widespread flooding in coastal cities and flash floods in southern and eastern areas.

This pattern of a "rainy season opening with multiple events" is reminiscent of the strong El Niño autumn of 2015, though the current forecast suggests higher overall rainfall quantities than observed then. The Meteorological Service has already convened with government ministries, emergency services, and other relevant bodies to prepare for potential extreme weather events.

During the preparedness meeting, the seasonal forecast was presented, along with new forecasting and warning tools for floods and snow. Scenarios and coordination procedures among all agencies were also discussed to ensure readiness for possible extreme weather occurrences.