Israel Braces for Weather Shift: Rain Returns, Flood Risk in South

Israel is set for a significant weather change in the coming days, with a return of precipitation expected, particularly in southern and eastern regions. Following a brief respite after rainy weekend weather, a southern weather system linked to a subtropical jet stream will begin affecting the country on Tuesday. While Sunday is forecast to be mostly clear with variable clouds and a slight temperature increase, Monday will see increased cloudiness and a slight drop in temperature, with mountain areas experiencing cooler-than-seasonal temperatures. No rain is expected on Monday. The main shift will occur on Tuesday, with localized showers anticipated mainly in the Negev and Arava deserts, and potentially reaching central Israel in the afternoon. Heavy downpours are not currently predicted. Temperatures will continue to fall on Tuesday, dropping below seasonal norms, especially in mountainous and inland areas. A minor risk of flash floods is forecast for rivers in the Judean Desert and near the Dead Sea. By Wednesday, the chance of rain will decrease, temperatures will rise to early October averages, and the northern wind is expected to strengthen along the coast. The recent weekend rains, though brief, were intense in some locations, with 17 mm recorded in Milya, Galilee, in just ten minutes. Other areas also saw significant rainfall, including Kibbutz Dafna (13 mm), Majdal Shams (9 mm), Karmiel and Acre (6 mm each), and Ashkelon (7 mm). Warnings have also been issued for rough seas in the Mediterranean, posing dangerous swimming conditions. Additionally, heatstroke warnings are in effect for the Jordan Valley, southern Judean Desert, and the Dead Sea area.