Rare August Rain Hits Northern Israel, Spreads to Central Regions with Flood Risks

Israel is experiencing unusual August rainfall starting Saturday afternoon in the north and spreading to central areas by night, continuing until Sunday morning. Local thunderstorms are possible, with a slight risk of flooding along the northern and central coastal plains. The weather will be partly cloudy with a slight temperature drop in the mountains and inland areas, accompanied by strong winds and possible haze in the south. The Meteorological Service described the rain as "rare for the season and the month of August." Dr. Amir Givati, head of the Meteorological Service, explained that the initially expected heavy rain system bringing tens of millimeters mainly to the coastal plain and lowlands will remain over the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in lighter but still unusual August rainfall that should not cause major disruptions or flooding.

On Sunday morning, local showers may continue from northern Israel to the northern Negev, with further temperature decreases, especially in the mountains and inland, where temperatures will be slightly below seasonal norms. Heat levels will ease significantly. Rain is expected to stop by Sunday afternoon. On Monday morning, light drizzle may occur along the coast, with a slight temperature rise, though still below average in the mountains and inland. By Tuesday, temperatures will increase further, exceeding seasonal averages in most areas, and heat intensity will rise again.

Forecasted temperatures for Saturday and Sunday night include Jerusalem 21-31°C, Tel Aviv 24-31°C, Haifa 25-31°C, Safed 21-29°C, Katzrin 21-36°C, Tiberias 23-36°C, Nazareth 23-33°C, Afula 22-35°C, Beit She'an 25-39°C, Lod 24-33°C, Ashdod 24-32°C, Ein Gedi 29-41°C, Beersheba 22-36°C, Mitzpe Ramon 22-34°C, and Eilat 31-39°C.