Temperatures Drop, Thunderstorms Expected in Northern and Central Israel

Heavy rainfall is expected to peak on Saturday morning, with coastal areas potentially receiving over 100 millimeters of rain. Localized flooding is forecast along the central and southern coastal plains, while flash flood warnings have been issued for the northern Negev, the Judean Desert, and the northern Dead Sea. Authorities have advised residents against traveling in the Judean Desert on Saturday due to the risk of flash floods in desert streams.

In preparation for the weather, the Israel Electric Corporation completed network upgrades and cable replacements near the Glilot interchange overnight, allowing the Ayalon Highway (Route 20) to reopen to full traffic earlier than scheduled. However, train services in the Tel Aviv and Herzliya regions remain temporarily disrupted for safety and infrastructure upgrades, with free shuttle services operating until regular trains resume on Sunday at 4:00 AM.

The storm system is expected to weaken by Sunday afternoon, leaving only scattered local showers in the north and center, though cooler temperatures will persist into Monday and Tuesday.