Historic August Rainfall Hits Jerusalem and Judean Desert, Unseen for 150 Years

Jerusalem and the surrounding Judean region experienced an exceptionally rare rainstorm in mid-August, an event not recorded in the past 150 years. The Israeli Meteorological Service reported that most of the rainfall occurred in Maale Adumim, where 26 millimeters fell, including 21 millimeters within a single hour. Heavy rains also affected eastern and southern neighborhoods of Jerusalem, causing urban flooding and necessitating rescues of residents from flooded homes and vehicles. Central Jerusalem received 5 millimeters, while Gush Etzion saw 15 millimeters in a short period, notably at Kibbutz Rosh Tzurim.

The intense rainfall triggered powerful flash floods in the streams of the Judean Desert. According to the Meteorological Service, this marks a historic record for August rainfall in the Judean Hills, with the highest previous August-July measurement near Jerusalem being just 1 millimeter about 100 years ago at the Mount of Olives. Nationwide, an August rainfall event exceeding 25 millimeters is extremely rare, having occurred only three times since measurements began: in the Golan Heights in August 2012, Kfar Galim in August 1971, and Zichron Yaakov in 1920.

Additionally, temperatures dropped following the rain, and the Meteorological Service forecasts strong rain waves in the coming months due to the "Super El Niño" phenomenon. This climatic event, characterized by warming sea waters, is expected to cause significant changes in rainfall amounts and timing across Israel.