First Rains of Year Hit Eilat, Flooding Threatens Dead Sea Area

Eilat experienced its first rainfall of the year on Saturday, October 10, with 2.5 mm of precipitation recorded. The Ramon Airport in the Southern Arava region received 0.6 mm. Light showers are expected to continue in parts of the southern Negev and Arava until the evening. Following the rain, Eilat's Municipality announced that swimming is once again permitted at Beach No. 1, which had been temporarily closed due to water flows carrying mud and sand into the sea.

Authorities are warning of potential flooding in the Dead Sea and Judean Desert areas on Sunday, October 11. While widespread heavy rain is not anticipated, localized downpours could cause flash floods, particularly in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country, with the Dead Sea region being most at risk from Sunday afternoon onwards. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has issued a warning, emphasizing the life-threatening danger of entering wadis (riverbeds) on foot or by vehicle during flood events. They also cautioned against approaching the edge of wadis, as banks can collapse.

Despite the rainfall, temperatures on Saturday saw a slight increase, especially in mountainous and inland areas, exceeding seasonal norms. No significant temperature changes are expected for Sunday. Temperatures are predicted to drop slightly on Monday, October 12, with a chance of light rain in the south later in the day. A warming trend is forecast to begin again on Tuesday, October 13.