Relief for drivers: Highway 90 reopened to traffic earlier than expected
The past week brought a series of unusual weather phenomena to Israel. While most of the country experienced heatwaves, the Jerusalem and Dead Sea areas saw heavy rains and flooding that paralyzed regional traffic.
The Israeli summer continues to make its mark, with heat loads felt across the country. However, the past week brought a series of unusual weather phenomena. Amidst fluctuating temperatures, heavy rains and floods were recorded in several areas, causing significant disruptions.
Highway 90 was reopened on Sunday for vehicle traffic on the section between Mitzpe Shalem and the Dead Sea hotels junction, after having been closed due to adverse weather conditions.
On Saturday, heavy local downpours fell in the Jerusalem area and in the east of the country, while extreme heat prevailed elsewhere. In Ma'ale Adumim, an August precipitation record was set, with 11 mm of rain falling within just one hour. Downpours were documented in several locations across the capital and throughout the Jerusalem hills. Strong local showers also occurred in the Judean Desert, leading to flash floods.
Due to the complex weather, the Israel Police had blocked Highway 90 in both directions between the Lido junction and Mitzpe Shalem due to a tangible risk of flooding, while the Meteorological Service issued an extended yellow warning for flash floods.
Rain in mid-August is a rare phenomenon in Israel, which is typically characterized by dry weather. The recent rains developed due to the penetration of moisture into the middle and high layers of the atmosphere, combined with local instability. In mountainous areas like Jerusalem, local topography contributed to the development of significant cloud cover during the hot afternoon hours.
