developing· Weather· Updated 11:12

Kinneret Water Levels Hit 100-Year Low Amid Drought

The Sea of Galilee has reached its lowest water levels in over a century following two consecutive years of drought in northern Israel. According to a report from the Water Authority released on Tuesday, the cumulative available water in the lake over the past two years stands at just 208 million cubic meters, the lowest figure recorded since measurements began 100 years ago.

6 newsrooms · 1 language · since 10:13

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Kinneret Water Levels Hit 100-Year Low Amid Drought — Illustration by baba

What happened

01The Sea of Galilee has reached its lowest water levels in 100 years due to two consecutive years of drought in northern Israel.
02Only 208 million cubic meters of water accumulated in the Sea of Galilee over the past two years, a century-long low.
03The Sea of Galilee basin received only 90% of its average rainfall, while the Western Galilee received 85%.
04In early May, the Sea of Galilee's water level was 212.51 meters below sea level, remaining 3.71 meters below the upper red line.
05From the start of the rainy season until the end of May, the accumulated water volume in the lake was only about 140 million cubic meters.
06Southern Israel experienced extreme flash floods, including record water levels in the Tsalim stream following heavy rainfall on April 27.
07Water Authority Director Yechiel Lipschitz stressed the need for flexible management and long-term planning to recover water sources.

While national rainfall for the 2025/26 season reached approximately 95% of the long-term average, significant regional disparities left northern water sources severely depleted. The Sea of Galilee basin received only 90% of its average rainfall, and the Western Galilee received just 85%. Consequently, water flow in northern rivers and springs was significantly reduced.

In early May, the Sea of Galilee's water level stood at 212.51 meters below sea level, which is 3.71 meters below the upper red line, despite rising 94 centimeters from its mid-December low. From the start of the rainy season until the end of May, the accumulated water volume in the lake was only about 140 million cubic meters.

In contrast to the dry conditions in the north, southern Israel experienced an unusually wet season with extreme flash floods. Heavy rainfall on April 27 caused record water levels in the Tsalim stream. Water Authority Director Yechiel Lipschitz emphasized that continued flexible management and long-term planning are crucial for the recovery of the country's water sources.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 11:06