100mm rain forecast for Israel this Shabbos; flooding feared

A significant rain system is heading for Israel this weekend, the Israel Meteorological Service has warned. Heavy rainfall will strike mainly the coastal plain and lowlands, with the storm peaking Shabbos and a real risk of flooding in cities along the central coast and the Shefela (lowlands).

According to the forecast, around 100 millimetres of rain will fall during Friday and Shabbos across central Israel, with some areas receiving even more. The high volumes expected to fall in a short period raise serious concern for flooding across a wide belt stretching from the Sharon through Gush Dan, the Shefela cities, the Lachish region and down to the southern coast.

The rain system will begin affecting the country already on Thursday, with local showers falling mainly in the north and along the coastal plain. During Friday, rain will fall intermittently in the north and centre, some of it heavy, but the peak is expected only on Shabbos.

Shabbos will bring the height of the storm. According to the forecast, tens of millimetres of rain will fall in a short time across the following areas: the northern coast and Carmel, the central coast and Gush Dan, the Shefela and down to the Lachish region and southern coast. The rain will be accompanied by isolated thunderstorms, and temperatures will drop significantly, making it colder than usual for the season.

Along the coastal plain there is concern for flooding due to the high volumes of rain expected to fall in a short time. In addition, strong westerly winds are forecast, adding to the cold sensation.

Rainfall map (Photo: Israel Meteorological Service)

The forecast

Today, Wednesday, will be partly cloudy with high-altitude cloud. A slight drop in temperatures is expected, mainly in the hills and inland areas, returning to seasonal norms in most regions. Tonight will be partly cloudy.

Tomorrow, Thursday, will be partly cloudy to cloudy. Local rain is expected mainly in the north and along the coastal plain. A further slight drop in temperatures. This marks the start of the system that will intensify over the weekend.

Friday will be partly cloudy to cloudy. In the north and centre, rain will fall from time to time, with possible isolated thunderstorms. In the northern Negev, local rain is possible. Temperatures will continue to drop and will be below seasonal norms, as preparation for the significant system arriving Shabbos.

Shabbos will be partly cloudy to cloudy. In the north and centre, rain will fall at intervals accompanied by isolated thunderstorms. In the northern Negev, local rain is expected. Along the coastal plain there is concern for flooding. Strong westerly winds will blow. A further drop in temperatures, and it will be colder than usual for the season.