Israel Faces Heatwave Followed by Rare August Rain and Thunderstorms This Weekend

Israel is experiencing a continuation of hot weather on Wednesday, with temperatures rising slightly after morning clouds clear. The heat will be more intense than usual for this time of year, especially in the mountainous and inland areas, increasing the discomfort from the heat. On Thursday, temperatures will remain above seasonal norms. By Friday, a slight drop in temperature is expected, offering some relief, though heat levels will still be somewhat elevated.

A significant weather shift is forecast for Saturday night into Sunday, when local rain showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected to begin in northern and central Israel. The Meteorological Service highlighted that a single rain event in August is rare, but two such events in one month are unprecedented. This unusual weather pattern, reminiscent of autumn, will bring localized heavy rainfall, particularly by Sunday morning, with some areas potentially seeing double-digit millimeter accumulations.

August has already seen exceptional weather, with higher-than-average temperatures and unseasonal rain events, including heavy downpours in northern Israel and Jerusalem neighborhoods. Notably, a record rainfall of 21 mm in one hour was recorded in Maale Adumim, followed by further rain leading to flooding in southern and eastern Jerusalem.

Long-range forecasts suggest these August rains are a precursor to the true autumn rainy season expected from late September through October, which will likely bring significant precipitation. Current temperature forecasts for Wednesday include highs of 33°C in Jerusalem, 32°C in Tel Aviv, and up to 42°C in Eilat, with lows ranging from 21°C to 29°C across various locations.