Unprecedented August Rainfall Triggers Floods in Eastern Israel and Judean Desert
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Eastern Israel experienced rare and heavy August rainfall on consecutive days, causing floods and flash floods in the Jordan Valley, eastern Samaria, and the Judean Desert. The intense downpours led to flowing streams and required rescue operations in Jerusalem neighborhoods. Meteorologists noted the event's rarity and potential historic significance for the region.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Eastern Israel and Judean Desert saw unprecedented August rainfall on Sunday and Saturday.
- Maale Adumim recorded 26 mm of rain, including 21 mm in one hour, causing floods.
- Flooding in Jerusalem's eastern and southern neighborhoods required resident rescues.
- Streams Nahal Og and Nahal Kedem began flowing again due to the rain.
- Meteorologist Danny Roff cited atmospheric instability causing heavy summer rain.
- Such August rainfall over 25 mm is rare, with few historical precedents in Israel.
Unusually heavy rainfall struck eastern Israel on Sunday, with significant downpours recorded in the Jordan Valley, eastern Samaria, and the Judean Desert. In the afternoon, 12.4 mm of rain fell in Gatit and 10.4 mm in the Jordan Valley, with rainfall intensities exceeding one millimeter per minute. The rain gradually spread southward from eastern Samaria toward the Judean Desert. Nabi Musa recorded about 8 mm, and developed clouds also caused precipitation over the northern Ein Gedi stream basins. As a result, the lower part of Nahal Og flowed again in the evening, and nearby Nahal Kedem near Ein Gedi began flowing as well.
This marked the second consecutive day of exceptional rainfall for the season in eastern Israel. On Saturday, heavy rain caused flooding and flash floods in several areas. Maale Adumim received approximately 26 mm of rain, with 21 mm falling within just one hour. Gush Etzion experienced about 15 mm in a short period, and eastern and southern neighborhoods of Jerusalem faced flooding that required rescuing residents from homes and vehicles. Local flooding also occurred in the Judean Desert, and water flowed in the upper part of Nahal Kidron following rain in eastern Jerusalem.
Meteorologist Danny Roff explained that while light summer rain or drizzle is not uncommon, this event was different due to atmospheric instability that produced rapid cloud development and heavy rainfall in southern and eastern Israel. Such intense August rainfall, exceeding 25 mm, is rare and has been recorded only a few times since measurements began, including in the Golan Heights in 2012, Kfar Galim in 1971, and Zichron Yaakov in 1920. The rainfall measured in the Judean Desert on Saturday is particularly exceptional and may represent a historic record for the area in August.
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