Unprecedented August Rainstorm Expected to Hit Israel, Raising Flood Concerns
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Israel faces an unprecedented August rainstorm starting Saturday night, threatening flooding along the coastal plain and possibly breaking historical rainfall records. The storm follows an earlier August rain event, marking a rare double occurrence for the month. Cooler temperatures and reduced heat are expected Sunday after the heavy rains.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel expects an unprecedented heavy rainstorm from Saturday night through Sunday morning.
- Rainfall of 20-30 mm in a few hours may cause urban flooding, especially in Gush Dan and coastal areas.
- This will be the first time Israel records two double-digit rain events in August, per Meteorological Service.
- The storm could break the August rainfall record of 33 mm set in 1971 at Kfar Galim.
- Temperatures will drop significantly Sunday, easing the summer heat.
- Authorities warn of flash floods in low-lying areas, roads, and underpasses.
Israel is bracing for an unusual and intense rain event starting late Saturday night, spreading from the northern regions down to the northern Negev. The Israeli Meteorological Service warns of significant rainfall along the coastal plain, especially in the Gush Dan area and the Shephelah, with potential urban flooding risks. The rain is forecast to peak early Sunday morning, with 20 to 30 millimeters expected to fall within one to three hours, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and hail.
This event follows an earlier significant rain occurrence in August, making it the first time Israel might experience two double-digit rainfall events in the same month, a phenomenon described by Meteorological Service Director Dr. Amir Givati as unprecedented for August. The current system could also break the historical August rainfall record of 33 millimeters set in Kfar Galim on August 3, 1971.
Ahead of the storm, Friday will see a slight temperature drop, especially in the mountains and inland, while Saturday remains warm and mostly clear after morning clouds dissipate. Sunday will bring cooler temperatures below seasonal averages, particularly in the highlands and interior, with a notable reduction in heat stress. Authorities emphasize caution due to the risk of flash floods, especially in low-lying areas, roads, and underpasses.
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