Sea of Galilee Hits 100-Year Low Amid Severe Drought

While national rainfall reached 95% of the long-term average, regional disparities were stark. The Sea of Galilee basin received only 90% of its average rainfall, and the Western Galilee received 85%. In contrast, the coastal and Yarkon-Taninim basins received about 100% of their average. The crisis was compounded by a six-week shutdown of Mediterranean desalination plants due to an algae bloom, which forced increased extraction from natural sources.

By early May, the Sea of Galilee's water level peaked at 212.51 meters below sea level, which is 3.71 meters below the upper red line and just 49 centimeters above the lower red line. By October 11, the level had dropped to 213.655 meters below sea level, falling 65.5 centimeters below the lower red line. Northern rivers and springs also saw reduced flows, with the Jordan River running at 80% of its average.

Conversely, southern and eastern Israel experienced unusual heavy rains and flash floods. On April 27, 2026, the Judean Desert and northeastern Negev received over 50 millimeters of rain in 90 minutes. This caused record flooding, with the Tze'elim stream reaching a peak flow of 570 cubic meters per second, the highest ever measured there.