Stormy weather forecast: warnings and police preparations
Following record-breaking rainfall in Jerusalem and the Judean Desert, local rain and thunderstorms are expected tomorrow, primarily in the east, with a continued risk of flash floods. Police are on high alert, and the Nature and Parks Authority has prohibited entry into flowing riverbeds.
In light of the severe flooding and unusual weather conditions reported across the country, a spokesperson for the Nature and Parks Authority stated on Saturday evening that a complete ban is in effect for entering riverbeds, whether on foot or by vehicle, until water levels subside. Approaching the edge of a riverbank during a flood is strictly prohibited due to the risk of collapse. For inquiries regarding trail conditions, the public is advised to contact the Nature and Parks Authority information center at *3639 or via the link https://parks.qrd.by/bldruh.
Meanwhile, the Israel Police have prepared for potential flooding in the coming days. A police statement issued this evening noted: "Following the heavy rains and flash floods that hit the Judean Desert area today, the Meteorological Service forecasts significant rainfall tomorrow in the Judea and Samaria District. Flash floods are expected in the riverbeds of the Judean Desert and the northern and southern Dead Sea areas between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM."
"Officers in the Judea and Samaria District will be deployed to ensure public safety and manage traffic on main roads. The Israel Police urges the public to plan trips in advance and avoid high-risk areas, such as riverbeds and hiking trails, due to the real danger to life," the statement added. Updates on road closures can be obtained by calling the national police information center at 110.
Earlier today, residents of Jerusalem and the northern Judean Desert experienced a rare, record-breaking rain event. In Ma'ale Adumim, 25 mm of rain was recorded, with 21 mm falling in just one hour. Meteorological Service Director Dr. Amir Givati described this as a historical record for this time of year, noting that the previous highest measurement in the Jerusalem area was only a few millimeters, recorded nearly 100 years ago on the Mount of Olives.
Dr. Givati explained that rainfall exceeding 20 mm in August is extremely rare in Israel, having occurred only three times since records began: in 1971, 1990, and 2012. He attributed this event to the "Super El Niño" phenomenon, which is currently disrupting global weather patterns, causing extreme heat waves in Western Europe and pushing weather systems toward our region.
According to the Meteorological Service forecast from Beit Dagan, local rain and isolated thunderstorms are expected tomorrow, Sunday, starting from noon, mainly in the east. There is a continued risk of flooding in the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea area, the north, and the eastern Negev.
Temperatures are expected to reach 32°C in Tel Aviv, 31°C in Jerusalem, 33°C in Lod, 31°C in Haifa, 38°C in Tiberias, 32°C in Safed, 40°C in Beit She'an, 38°C in Ein Gedi, 35°C in Beersheba, 34°C in Mitzpe Ramon, and 41°C in Eilat.
On Monday, temperatures are expected to drop slightly, falling below the seasonal average in mountainous and inland areas, providing some relief from the heat. No significant changes are expected on Tuesday.
