Meteorological Service warns of "unprecedented rain event" and flood risk in Gush Dan
A sharp change in weather over the weekend: starting Saturday night, widespread rain, thunderstorms, and hail are expected. 20–30 mm may fall on the coast within a few hours, potentially breaking the historical rainfall record for August.
Following a period of summer heat, a sharp and unusual weather shift is expected to hit Israel on Saturday night. The night between Saturday and Sunday will bring a significant rain event, highly atypical for this time of year. Precipitation is expected over a wide area, focusing on the coastal plain—from the northern coast through the Sharon to Gush Dan and the Shfela.
According to current estimates, the peak of the event is expected early Sunday morning, with 20 to 30 mm of rain potentially falling within one to three hours. The rainfall may be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and hail. Due to the intensity of the downpours, there is a significant risk of urban flooding and infrastructure disruptions, particularly in the cities of Gush Dan and the Shfela.
According to the Meteorological Service, Saturday will be partly cloudy with possible light local rain in the north and along the coast. During the night, rain will spread from the north to the northern Negev. Sunday will remain partly cloudy with lingering local rain in the morning. Temperatures will drop significantly, falling below seasonal averages, especially in mountainous and inland areas, providing relief from the heat.
A Historical Anomaly
The anomaly of the upcoming event stems not only from the expected rainfall volume but also from the fact that it follows another significant rain event recorded earlier this month. Israel has never documented an August with two separate rain events exceeding 10 mm of precipitation.
"Such a thing has never happened in August," said the service director, Dr. Amir Givati. In mid-August, heavy rains were recorded in the north and the Jerusalem area, with Ma'ale Adumim receiving 25 mm. The historical record for an August rain event—33 mm, recorded in Kfar Galim on August 3, 1971—may now be broken.
The geographical distribution is also unprecedented. Unlike typical localized summer showers, this system is expected to cover vast areas. The Meteorological Service is specifically warning of flooding in the coastal plain, a phenomenon previously undocumented in Israel during August.
Temperature forecast for tonight and tomorrow:
Jerusalem 21-33, Tel Aviv 25-32, Haifa 24-31, Safed 22-35, Katzrin 22-38, Tiberias 24-38, Nazareth 23-36, Afula 23-36, Beit She'an 27-41, Lod 24-33, Ashdod 24-32, Ein Gedi 29-40, Beersheba 22-36, Mitzpe Ramon 24-36, Eilat 29-43.
