Unseasonal Rains Lash Northern and Central Israel

Local rainfall has been reported across northern and central Israel in recent hours, with the heaviest amounts recorded in Manara on the northern border (7mm) and Kibbutz Galed (6mm). Other areas like Kibbutz Dafna received 5mm, and the southern coast saw up to 4mm, with Yad Mordechai recording 3.5mm. Significant rainfall, sometimes intense, is also occurring in the Jerusalem hills. These showers are expected to continue until at least the afternoon, concentrating inland.

This short, unseasonal rain event is unusual for September, a month that typically sees only a few millimeters of precipitation, if any. The Meteorological Service noted that this follows other unusual rain events in August, including approximately 30mm in the Jerusalem area mid-month and about 10mm in central Israel at the end of August.

The forecast for the coming days indicates partly cloudy skies with a noticeable drop in temperatures, especially in mountainous and inland areas, where temperatures will be slightly below seasonal averages. Local rains are expected in the north and center, with isolated thunderstorms possible in the north. Winds will strengthen in most areas, and the rain is expected to diminish by the afternoon. Light, scattered rain or drizzle may persist along the coastal plain overnight.

Saturday is expected to see little change in temperatures, with continued light rain or drizzle possible in the north and along the coast until noon. Sunday will be partly cloudy in the morning, becoming fair later, with a slight rise in temperatures to seasonal norms. Monday will continue the warming trend with fair weather.

Long-range forecasts suggest additional rain events are possible in the coming weeks, particularly in October.