Israel Braces for Potential Extreme Rains in November Amid Delayed Rainy Season
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Israel's rainy season has been delayed, with meteorologists now expecting potentially extreme rainfall in November, according to Dr. Amir Givati of the Israel Meteorological Service. While neighboring countries like Greece and Turkey have experienced severe downpours, Israel has seen only limited rain so far. Givati stated that the forecast remains the same but has shifted, with no significant rain expected until after the upcoming elections. "Super El Niño" is linked to the potential for increased flooding risks in Israel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's rainy season is delayed, with extreme rainfall now forecast for November.
- Dr. Amir Givati expects the "super El Niño" phenomenon to bring heavy rains to Israel.
- Neighboring countries like Greece and Turkey are currently experiencing severe rainfall.
- No significant rain is expected in Israel until after the upcoming elections.
- A "super El Niño" could increase the risk of floods and inundation in Israel.
Israel has so far been spared the extreme rainfall hitting neighboring countries, but meteorologists anticipate a shift in November. The expected rainy season has not yet materialized, despite forecasts linked to a "super El Niño" phenomenon. While Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey are experiencing heavy precipitation, Israel's rainfall has remained limited.
Dr. Amir Givati, Director of the Israel Meteorological Service, stated on Sunday, October 18, that the rain forecast has merely shifted in timing, not changed in expectation. "Expectations regarding the rains remain the same, they are just postponed. In November, we even expect extreme rain events," he noted. However, Givati cautioned that significant rainfall is not expected in the immediate days ahead, with the current week being the last with any rain until after the upcoming elections.
Recent rainfall on Sunday morning was concentrated in the Western Galilee and the northern coast, extending to the Gush Dan area. Kfar Hasidim, near Haifa, recorded the highest amount with 10 millimeters, while Tel Aviv received 7 millimeters. A power outage in Hadera was potentially linked to the weather, with a transformer fire causing a disruption that the Israel Electric Company aimed to fix by 6:00 PM.
Givati reported 15 millimeters of rain in the Galilee over the weekend, calling it significant. He anticipates comfortable, dry weather for the upcoming week, with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius in the central region. He highlighted that neighboring countries like Turkey, which experienced unprecedented rainfall in Istanbul, and Greece are currently facing severe weather.
"We haven't had that yet. We haven't experienced a truly rainy season, except in the north of the country. But that is yet to come: if not at the end of October, then perhaps at the beginning of November," Givati said. He also commented on the election day forecast, predicting no rain, which he hopes will allow citizens to vote unimpeded.
Experts warn of potential consequences from "super El Niño," which the Israel National Academy of Sciences' Climate Committee has assessed could increase the risk of intense rains, floods, and inundation. However, it does not guarantee a wet winter. Givati explained that the phenomenon is currently affecting surrounding regions more than Israel. Despite October being drier than anticipated, weather models still indicate that strong rains will eventually reach Israel, likely in late October or early November. Givati urged patience, noting that while the current autumn is cooler than usual, it remains dry, and the forecast for extreme November rains is still a projection, not a certainty.
Mentioned
