Rain, flooding, and hail: An unusual forecast for late August
Extreme rainfall is expected starting the night between Saturday and Sunday. A slight drop in temperatures begins today, with the first rains arriving tomorrow. Thunderstorms are forecast for the north, and there is a risk of flooding on the coastal plain due to the intensity of the precipitation.
In preparation for a weather system unusual for the summer season, a slight drop in temperatures is expected today, Friday, in mountainous and inland areas. After morning clouds clear, the weather will become more pleasant, offering relief from the heat.
Saturday will be partly cloudy with no significant temperature changes, though local rain is possible in the north during the day. Winds will strengthen by nightfall, and rain is expected to reach the center of the country. Thunderstorms are forecast for the north, and there is a risk of flooding along the coastal plain. The rain will continue on Sunday, spreading from the north to the northern Negev, with temperatures dropping significantly below the seasonal average.
Director of the Meteorological Service, Dr. Amir Givati, stated:
«While this rain event will be significant, it remains local in nature. Updated models converge on a scenario of high precipitation falling in a relatively short time—about 40–60 mm within just one to three hours during the night between Saturday and Sunday. The predicted focus for the heavy rain stretches from the Hof HaCarmel area through the Hefer Valley and south to the Hadera-Netanya line.»
Forecasted temperatures for today and tonight: Jerusalem 23–33, Tel Aviv 25–32, Haifa 24–31, Safed 23–34, Katzrin 22–38, Tiberias 24–38, Nazareth 23–36, Afula 23–37, Beit Shean 26–41, Lod 24–33, Ashdod 24–32, Ein Gedi 29–39, Beersheba 23–36, Mitzpe Ramon 24–36, Eilat 31–43.
Hail warnings and infrastructure readiness
According to the Meteorological Service, the unusual weather will feature intense rain, lightning, and thunderstorms, with hail expected on the northern coast, in the Haifa area, and in the Sharon region. Since the first significant rain of the season usually arrives only in October, this early start requires authorities to accelerate their preparations.
Dr. Givati noted that the first rain of the season requires special attention due to the accumulation of dust and leaves over the summer, which can clog urban drainage systems. The Yarkon Drainage and River Authority is also preparing for the extreme weather. CEO Arik Leibovitz explained that while urban drainage systems can typically handle 25–30 mm of rain per hour, any amount exceeding this threshold poses a significant risk of flooding.
