Heavy Rains and Flood Warnings Issued for Israel This Weekend

Israel is bracing for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds starting Friday and continuing through the weekend, with significant flood risks expected along the coastal plain, particularly from the Gush Dan area south to Ashkelon and Sderot. The Meteorological Service forecasts that precipitation could reach 100mm or more in coastal and some inland areas. The peak of the storm system is anticipated for Saturday morning, with powerful rain cells capable of dropping tens of millimeters in just a few hours, potentially causing widespread flooding and disruptions. Local flash floods are also possible in the Judean Desert and Dead Sea wadis. On Friday, scattered showers are expected in the north and center, with isolated thunderstorms and occasional local rain in the northern Negev. Coastal flooding is a concern, especially in the central and southern regions, and flash floods are possible in northern Dead Sea streams. Strong winds will blow across most areas, and temperatures will be below seasonal averages. Overnight, rains will expand northward to the northern Negev, accompanied by thunderstorms, leading to local flooding in coastal cities and wadis. Saturday will see continued intermittent rain in the north and center, with isolated thunderstorms and local rain in the northern Negev. The flood threat will extend to the Shefela region. Strong westerly winds will prevail, with a further drop in temperatures making it colder than usual. Local rain and flash floods may occur in the central Negev and Arava. The rain is expected to weaken by Saturday evening. On Sunday, local showers will persist in the north and center, with possible isolated thunderstorms in the morning. The flood risk in the central and southern coastal plain will continue until the afternoon, after which the rain will gradually subside. Temperatures will remain below average. Monday will be partly to mostly cloudy with no significant temperature change, and strong northerly winds are expected along the coast in the afternoon.