Unprecedented August Rainfall Triggers Floods in Eastern Israel and Judean Desert

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.