The rains are expected to continue on Thursday. By the afternoon – and particularly tomorrow – precipitation will intensify significantly, bringing a high risk of flooding. Localized rainfall is possible in the southern Negev. There is a serious concern regarding flash floods in the streams of the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea, and the northern Arava. A severe flood warning is in effect for the coastal plain and the Shfela (lowlands). Winds will be brisk, and temperatures will dip below the seasonal average.

Video: Storm Byron in Israel / Credit: Omri Zinger, Moshe Ben Simchon

Minute by minute – all the updates

1:40 p.m. | A tree collapsed in the courtyard of an educational institution in Rishon LeZion. Magen David Adom teams provided medical treatment and evacuated two approximately 10-year-old girls in mild condition with head injuries to Shamir-Assaf Harofeh Hospital.

1:30 p.m. | Magen David Adom teams were dispatched in the last half hour to several locations in the Shfela (lowlands), where vehicles became trapped in floodwaters. Rescue units are currently assisting with extraction efforts and stand ready to provide medical treatment if required.

Video: Yavne floods on Dec. 11, 2025 / Credit: Usage under Article 27a of Israel's intellectual property law

1:22 p.m. | Floodwaters have inundated King George Street in Tel Aviv.

1:15 p.m. | Footage from the Gaza Strip shows the collapse of a four-story building in the al-Nasr neighborhood of western Gaza City.

12:20 p.m. | Intense rainfall has lashed the Shfela (lowlands) in recent hours, with flooding recorded in cities including Rehovot. Rishon LeZion recorded 40 millimeters (1.6 inches) of rain in just three hours. Heavy rains persist along the northern coast, raising concerns of flooding near Zichron Yaakov. These heavy rains will continue along the coastal plain – specifically the southern coast and the lowlands – before spreading inland. Flash floods are expected in the Dead Sea streams throughout the day.

Video: Gaza building collapses during Storm Byron / Dec. 11, 2025

11:50 a.m. | Heavy fog has been reported in Daliyat al-Karmel.

10:50 a.m. | Interim Summary – High daily rainfall totals were measured this morning, primarily in the Carmel and Carmel Coast regions. Because this area also received significant precipitation at the start of the current system, cumulative totals there are far higher than in the rest of the country.

In the Nahal Me'arot Nature Reserve, 205 millimeters (8 inches) have accumulated since Saturday, with 94 millimeters (3.7 inches) falling in the last 24 hours alone. Atlit recorded 193 millimeters (7.6 inches) over the past three days, including 93 millimeters (3.7 inches) in the last day. Storm-level totals of 130-150 millimeters (5.1-5.9 inches) were recorded in Haifa and the Carmel, while the coastal plain north of Haifa and the northern Sharon region saw 100-120 millimeters (3.9-4.7 inches).

Video: Tel Aviv flooding on King George Street / Credit: Adi Nirman

Additionally, highly developed cloud formations moved over the area in the last 24 hours, bringing reports of hail. Today, the weather map will finally balance out as northwesterly winds drive the main rain clouds toward the center and south of the country.

Rainfall in central and southern Israel is expected to intensify. Within less than 24 hours, accumulations of 50-100 millimeters (2-4 inches) – and locally even more – are possible in the central and southern coastal plain. Heavy rain is also forecast for the central mountains, with a high probability of flash floods in the Judean Desert and northern Negev.

10:15 a.m. | Flooding and rain from Storm Byron reported in Gaza – civilians were seen attempting to navigate flooded roads.

9:30 a.m. | A 53-year-old man was found lifeless in Netanya with signs of hypothermia following the cold weather.

8:30 a.m. | Rainfall records for the last 48 hours according to the Israel Meteorological Service: Ein Carmel 165 millimeters (6.5 inches), Haifa Technion 139.7 millimeters (5.5 inches), Zichron Ya'akov 112.6 millimeters (4.4 inches), Shavei Zion 104.8 millimeters (4.1 inches), Nahariya 99.9 millimeters (3.9 inches).

7:57 a.m. | The Haifa and Carmel areas are leading the accumulated precipitation amounts over the last two days with 160–170 millimeters (6.3–6.7 inches), and 70 millimeters (2.8 inches) in the last 12 hours.

From the afternoon hours, the rains will enter the central and southern coast with strong rainfall intensity and dozens of millimeters of accumulation. The heavy rains will continue until the evening hours at least.

5:45 a.m. | Starting this morning (Thursday), temperatures will drop below the seasonal average. Rain accompanied by thunderstorms will fall intermittently from northern Israel to the northern Negev, with light rain possible in the southern Negev. Furthermore, there is a risk of flash floods in the Judean Desert, Dead Sea, and northern Arava streams, and a severe risk of urban flooding along the Coastal Plain and in the Shfela (Lowlands). Strong wind gusts are likely.

11:08 p.m. | Municipalities across the country have raised their alert level to "full storm protocol" in anticipation of the weather system. Operational units specializing in drainage, infrastructure, enforcement, and security have been reinforced and placed on standby to handle flooding, road blockages, and debris removal. Pumping crews and heavy engineering equipment have been deployed, underground passage systems inspected, and municipal call centers are operating on an emergency footing. The public is urged to avoid crossing flooded roads on foot or by vehicle, to secure loose objects susceptible to strong winds, and to avoid entering basements or underground parking garages during flood events.

10:24 p.m. | Update from Netivei Israel (National Transport Infrastructure Company): Road 40 has been closed to traffic in both directions from Tzihor Junction to the entrance of Mitzpe Ramon due to flooding.

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Cyprus has ramped up the hunt on Wednesday for the Israeli yacht that set sail from Ashdod two days ago and vanished on its way to the island. Contact was severed two days ago near Paphos.

The Greek Coast Guard announced that as the weather improves, Greek Navy planes and helicopters will join the afternoon search for the missing Israeli yacht, sweeping the waters between Cyprus and Crete. At the same time, Cypriot officials indicated that wind patterns suggest the yacht may have drifted south toward Egypt's coastline, prompting searches in that direction as well. The official noted that Wednesday's search will stretch toward Israel, suggesting the skipper may have turned back due to worsening conditions.

The missing passengers include three friends from Kafr Shibli Umm al-Ghanem in northern Israel (an Arab village in the Galilee), while the fourth person, according to the yacht company, lives in the Krayot (the cluster of towns north of Haifa).

The yacht vanished roughly 90 nautical miles (167 kilometers) off Paphos on the island's southern coast. Cyprus has triggered the Nearchos protocol, redirecting passing vessels to the yacht's projected path to aid the search. The operation involves Cypriot ships and helicopters from British military installations on the island.

Cyprus port authorities described the yacht's skipper, a 41-year-old Israeli, as highly experienced with multiple prior visits to the island. A port official told local journalists he was baffled that Israeli authorities cleared the vessel to sail in such brutal weather. "During Storm Byron, we halted nearly all departures of small craft from the island," the official said.

Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed that "Israeli, Greek, and Cypriot forces are coordinating search operations. The ministry's Division for Israelis Abroad and embassies in Cyprus and Greece remain in constant contact with the families, working nonstop on the situation."

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From yesterday through this morning, approximately 60-70 millimeters (2.4-2.8 inches) have fallen in the Zikhron Yaakov, Haifa, and Carmel region. Zikhron Yaakov leads the national rainfall table with 77 millimeters (3 inches) so far. Ein Carmel has recorded 68 millimeters (2.7 inches) and Haifa 60 millimeters (2.4 inches). In Zikhron Yaakov, a shuttle carrying children became stuck in an underpass. All were rescued without injury.

During the night, the rains advanced to central Israel and concentrated in Gush Dan (the greater Tel Aviv metropolitan area). About 35-40 millimeters (1.4-1.6 inches) have fallen in Tel Aviv so far, and about 15 millimeters (0.6 inches) in Ashdod. Jerusalem has recorded 10.8 millimeters (0.4 inches), Safed 15.3 millimeters (0.6 inches), Beersheba 3.6 millimeters (0.1 inches), and Sodom 0 millimeters.

Rain will continue today, intensifying in the afternoon and especially on Thursday, with flooding forecast.

In the southern Negev, there may be local rain. There is concern about flash floods in the wadis of the Judea Desert, the Dead Sea, and northern Arava. There is serious concern about flooding along the coastal plain and in the Shfela. Strong winds will blow. Temperatures will be lower than normal for the season. Snow will fall on the summit of Mount Hermon.

Stay nourished, seal the house, and visit the elderly: Health Ministry instructions

The Health Ministry has published preparedness instructions for the health system for the stormy weather. Hospitals and health funds have been instructed to prepare in order to continue providing medical services as required. Additionally, the ministry is calling on elderly populations, as well as parents of infants and young children, to prepare accordingly and take several important actions to avoid health damage.

• While staying at home: Maintain activity and movement to increase blood flow and body heat.
• Heating: Heat the home at a constant temperature of approximately 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit), not lower than 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit), and ensure air humidity in the room to avoid dry air.
• Properly seal home openings (windows, doors, etc.).
• Drinking: In sufficient quantity (8-10 glasses of beverages per day, unless there is an explicit medical restriction). Avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
• Meals: Maintain relatively light meals at frequent intervals (5-6 per day) and avoid heavy meals. Hot beverages and food help maintain body heat.

Cases in which to consult with the treating physician: Taking medications that may increase sensitivity to cold (medications that affect alertness such as sleeping pills, antidepressants, certain pain medications, etc.), as well as health conditions that may increase risk from cold (heart disease where cold creates overload on heart function, lung disease, in people with cognitive decline/dementia who have difficulty caring for themselves, etc.).

Elderly people living alone: Maintain contact and ensure home visits by family members, friends, neighbors, or volunteers - at least once a day. To identify hypothermia in an elderly person, check if the home is cold and the elderly person is less active than usual.

It should be noted that in the initial stages of hypothermia - there may be difficulty identifying the problem: a person suffering from cold may not shiver and may not complain of feeling cold, and temperature measurement with a home thermometer may not identify the problem - since it is designed to measure fever.

If there is suspicion of hypothermia, based on cold skin contact, change in skin color, decreased alertness, confused state, changes in breathing, etc. - medical help should be summoned immediately.

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Video: Flooding in southern Israel / Eilot Regional Council

The storm will strengthen gradually. Rains that began overnight will intensify in the north and reach the central region by Tuesday night. On Wednesday, high-intensity rainfall is expected, raising serious concerns for flooding along the coast and in the Shefela (lowlands).

The system will peak between Wednesday night and Thursday, delivering tens of millimeters of rain within hours. The forecast warns of gale-force winds reaching 80–100 km/h (50–62 mph), urban flooding, disruptions to daily life, and flash floods in the streams of the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea area. Rain will persist into Friday, focusing primarily on central Israel.

Officials at the Israel Meteorological Service emphasize that "Byron" is expected to bring "abnormal" precipitation levels and exceeding 200 millimeters (nearly 8 inches) in areas of the northern coast, Gush Dan (Tel Aviv metropolitan area), and the southern coast. These figures surpass the average rainfall for the entire month of December.

The extended forecast

On Tuesday, skies will be partly cloudy to cloudy. Local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected along the coastal plain, particularly in the north. Local rain is possible in the mountains during the afternoon. Temperatures will remain average for the season, but the Mediterranean Sea will see high waves and is considered very dangerous for swimming.

On Wednesday, showers accompanied by thunderstorms will sweep through northern and central Israel. There is a severe risk of flooding in the coastal plain and the Shefela (lowlands). Brisk winds will blow, primarily along the coast and in the mountains. Rain will gradually spread to the Negev, creating a risk of flash floods in the Judean Desert streams and the Dead Sea area.

On Thursday, rain accompanied by isolated thunderstorms will fall from the north to the northern Negev. Local rain is possible in the southern Negev. Flash flood warnings remain in effect for the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea, and the northern Arava (desert valley). Flooding risks persist for the coastal plain and the Shefela (lowlands). Brisk winds will continue, and temperatures will drop below the seasonal average.

On Friday, the weather will remain cloudy to partly cloudy. Local rains will continue from the north to the northern Negev, with isolated thunderstorms possible until noon. Local flooding risks remain for the coastal plain, as well as flash flood warnings for the Judean Desert and Dead Sea streams. Temperatures will rise slightly but will remain unseasonably cool, particularly in the mountains and inland area

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The Sharon Drainage and Streams Authority published a similar request to the public, noting that during the storm period, it is important to avoid arriving at flow points and streams, even if they appear calm. The authority emphasized that, in the event of floods, blockages, or exceptional flows, reports should be made to emergency centers at local authorities and action taken in accordance with the rescue forces' instructions.

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The crisis has devastated 10 southern provinces over seven days. Photos show submerged cars and homes with frantic residents stranded on rooftops awaiting evacuation. Regional devastation expanded dramatically: Vietnam reports 98 deaths over one week, Malaysia evacuated 19,000+ residents, the BBC reported. Indonesia confirmed 19 fatalities with seven people still buried under North Sumatra landslides, rescue officials stated.

Over 2 million Thais were affected by floods, yet only 13,000 reached shelters. The vast majority remain cut off from assistance, according to Reuters. Thailand's military is deploying an aircraft carrier, 14 supply boats, and field kitchens producing 3,000 daily meals.

Medical teams will convert the carrier into a "floating hospital" if needed, according to the Navy. Songkhla's governor reported deploying boats, elevated trucks, and jet skis for evacuations. The Cabinet declared Songkhla a disaster zone on Tuesday, unlocking relief funds.

Matchima Rescue Center told Reuters it received thousands of distress calls in three days from people seeking evacuation. Urgent appeals flooded Matchima's Facebook: "Many people are trapped... Please help," one user wrote.

Multiple posts described going days without food or water. Viral footage shows three boys clinging to power cables, inching toward safety as murky brown floodwaters rise below them.

Southeast Asia typically experiences heavy seasonal rainfall, but this year's flooding has been exceptionally severe across the region.

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Sud Ouest also highlighted images of the first snows in the Ossau valley. Tuesday will see the arrival of widespread morning frosts. While high pressure keeps the morning dry, fog will be extensive from the Southwest to the Northeast, and roads may freeze in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Stronger mistral and tramontane winds are also expected, with gusts reaching 90 km/h..

Sud Ouest noted Val Thorens was elected in 2025 as the "best ski resort in the world", its tenth such crowning. Regarding the forecast, a more active front arrives Wednesday as a British depression nears. Snowfall could reach the plains near the Belgian and German borders. By evening, snow is expected above 700 meters (Massif Central) and 500 meters (Alps).

The cold weather will be maintained by an unstable northern flow on Thursday, Sud Ouest reports. Showers bringing snow down to the plains are possible from Hauts-de-France to the eastern borders (Grand Est, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté). The Center and Île-de-France regions might even see a mix of rain and snow. Morning frosts will be common as temperatures stay "clearly below normal."

Cold and generally dry weather will return on Friday, marked by an increase in pressure. Frosts are expected to be "almost widespread" and at times significant. A few snow showers remain possible over the massifs.

The weekend is set to begin with this cold atmosphere, Sud Ouest noted. A new disturbance arriving from the west on Saturday may bring snow right before an eastward-progressing warm-up. By Sunday, this slight warm-up will spread across the west, although showers will linger, particularly in the Southwest.

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Hurricane Melissa intensified to Category 5 status early Monday, October 27, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph as the slow-moving storm brought destructive conditions including torrential rain, dangerous storm surge, and catastrophic flooding to the Caribbean, with Jamaica facing the greatest threat Monday through Monday night, the National Hurricane Center in Miami reported according to USA TODAY. The powerful hurricane had already killed at least four people across Haiti and the Dominican Republic by Saturday afternoon, AccuWeather reported.

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Heavy heat dominates today, with humidity along the coast. Extreme temperatures will prevail nationwide, far exceeding seasonal averages. Localized rain and isolated thunderstorms may occur in the south this afternoon. From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Thursday, red alert heat levels will grip central Israel, Golan Heights, Upper and Lower Galilee, Beit She'an Valley, Hula Valley, Kinneret Valley, Carmel, western Galilee slopes, central highlands, Samaria, Judean Desert, Dead Sea, northeastern Negev, eastern Negev, southern Negev, Eilat Highlands, and the Arava. Orange alert heat will affect the Jezreel Valley, Zebulun Valley, northern Sharon, Gush Dan, lowlands, northwestern Negev, western Negev, and Negev Highlands from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Israel grapples with a relentless heatwave, with red alerts warning of extreme temperatures in Beit She'an, Kinneret, Jordan Valley, Judean Desert, Dead Sea, and Arava from 8:00 a.m. Wednesday to 6:00 a.m. Thursday. Similar conditions affect the southern Judean Desert, Dead Sea, and northern Arava from 6:00 a.m. Wednesday to 6:00 a.m. Thursday. From 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., dangerous heat extends to northern Judean Desert, northeastern Negev, eastern Negev, Eilat Highlands, Eilat Bay, and southern Arava. From 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., southern Golan, eastern Upper Galilee, Lower Galilee, Hula Valley, Jezreel Valley, Carmel, western Galilee slopes, Zebulun Valley, northern Sharon, Gush Dan, lowlands, central highlands, Samaria, northern Samaria, Judean Desert frontier, northwestern Negev, western Negev, Negev Highlands, and southern Negev face severe heat, prompting officials to urge residents to stay indoors and hydrated.

Orange alert heat will prevail from 8:00 a.m. to midnight on the Carmel coast and southern coastal plain, and from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the northern Golan and western Upper Galilee. Severe orange alert fire risks are expected from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Golan Heights, Upper Galilee, western Lower Galilee, Hula Valley, Kinneret Valley, and Carmel coast. Yellow alert fire risks will occur from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Lower Galilee, Beit She'an Valley, Jezreel Valley, Ramot Menashe, Zebulun Valley, northern lowlands, Samaria, northern Samaria, and Jordan Valley.

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Temperature readings will climb throughout Monday while danger zones expand to encompass regions where heat stress reaches maximum threat levels. The situation becomes particularly concerning as nighttime temperatures remain elevated, preventing the natural cooling that typically provides relief and making restful sleep nearly impossible across large areas of the country.

Wednesday afternoon will bring the most extreme conditions, with eastern and southern Israel registering temperatures between 118-122°F (48-51°C) – approaching the all-time records for these regions. Interior areas and mountainous terrain throughout central and northern Israel will exceed 104°F (40°C), while the Kinneret region specifically will reach 120°F (49°C).

Coastal areas will not escape the heat assault, with shoreline communities measuring up to 97°F (36°C). The combination of these elevated temperatures with oppressive humidity levels will create extremely dangerous heat stress conditions.

Complete weather outlook

Monday brings continued temperature elevation. Weather patterns will maintain above-normal heat levels, reaching scorching conditions in mountainous and interior regions while coastal plains experience oppressive humidity. Extreme heat stress will dominate every area of the country.

Tuesday will deliver additional temperature increases. Scorching conditions will dominate mountainous and interior regions plus coastal plains. Extreme heat stress will persist across all national territories. Interior and mountainous areas will register extreme temperature readings. Afternoon hours may produce localized precipitation in southern and eastern areas.

Wednesday will bring further temperature escalation. Severe heat conditions will affect most territorial areas. Coastal strips will experience humid conditions. Extreme heat stress will continue affecting all national regions. Most areas will measure extreme temperature readings. Afternoon periods may generate localized precipitation in southern and eastern territories.

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