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.

The post Winter storm update: Heavy rain, flood warnings, and road closures appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

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

The post Storm Byron makes landfall: Peak intensity expected by Thursday appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Video: Lightning strikes Gesher / Gesher security team

Over the course of the night, dozens of thousands of thunderstorms and lightning developed across widespread regions. The weather gradually intensified, beginning in the Arabah and along the coastal plain. Large quantities of rain fell across many areas in the northern and central parts of the country , accompanied by both hail and wind gusts.

Video: Vehicle being rescued after flooding in Tamra / Israel Fire and Rescue Service

Rainfall measurements reached 50 mm (1.97 inches) in Karnei Shomron , 47 mm (1.85 inches) in Mevo Dotan , 39 mm (1.54 inches) in Ariel , approximately 33 mm (1.30 inches) in Haifa , and around 30 mm (1.18 inches) in Modi'in. Substantial rains also began to fall toward the morning in parts of the Negev and the Judean Desert. Water flows started in some Judean Desert wadis and in the Ramat HaNegev and Beersheba areas. Rain totals in these southern areas included: roughly 35 mm (1.38 inches) at the Negev Junction , about 28 mm (1.10 inches) in Beersheba , around 25 mm (0.98 inches) in the Nevatim region , approximately 18 mm (0.71 inches) in Mitzpe Ramon , about 6 mm (0.24 inches) in Yotvata , and even 1.5 mm (0.06 inches) in Paran.

Video: Flooding in southern Israel / Yuval Tobol

In the south, first responder teams responded to the weather conditions by operating in several simultaneous rescue incidents. At the Yattir Stream, a truck that had been swept away by a flash flood was rescued. Crews from the Beersheba and Hura stations executed complicated rescue procedures. The individual who was trapped was rescued in good condition and was transferred to Magen David Adom teams for ongoing medical care. On Highway 358, a person was rescued from a vehicle after flood flows made further driving impossible. Additionally, in the Ramot neighborhood of Beersheba, Israel Fire and Rescue Services teams rescued two vehicles stranded by flooding on Ben Zvi Boulevard.

Video: Binyamin Regional Council flooding / Credit: Usage under Israel's Intellectual Property Law Article 27a

In the Northern District, Fire and Rescue Services and Rescue crews from the Central Galilee station, supported by the Special Rescue Unit, rescued two trapped persons from an off-road vehicle that became stuck in a channel near Highway 70 in the Tamra area. Strong water runoff had dragged the vehicle into that location. The firefighters secured the vehicle using the fire truck , and subsequently carried out a rescue operation using ropes , successfully extracting the driver and passenger to safety.

Video: Flooding in northern Israel / Credit: Social media

From the overnight hours until now, Magen David Adom teams were also dispatched to multiple reports of house floods and vehicles stuck in puddles. Magen David Adom teams were sent to incidents involving people trapped in cars in puddles and house floods in Kiryat Gat, Shfaram, Modi'in Illit, Kiryat Motzkin, Beit Shemesh, Beersheba, Rahat, Kafr Qasim, and Tirat Carmel. After an assessment, none of the individuals required medical treatment.

Video: Flooding in northern Israel's Nesher town / Credit: Social media

Rains are expected to continue falling from the north to the northern Negev over the next few hours , with some being very powerful. There remains a significant risk of flash floods in the Judean Desert and Dead Sea wadis , as well as in the Negev and Arabah. There is also a risk of flooding in the coastal plain, the north, and the central mountains. Only during the latter half of Tuesday will the rains substantially decrease , practically ceasing entirely in the evening.

The post Rain wreaks havoc as winter finally arrives in Israel appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Dozens of people were taken to hospitals due to smoke inhalation since Tuesday, according to reports from public broadcaster ERT. About 13 firefighters were treated for burns and other injuries, a fire service spokesman said. Nearly 5,000 firefighters, assisted by 33 firefighting aircraft, were deployed from morning hours to control the flames, which are being intensified by winds and hot, dry conditions near Patras, on the tourist islands of Chios and Zakynthos, and at three additional locations on the mainland.

"Wednesday will be another very difficult day, as the risk of forest fires in most areas of the country will be very high," the fire service spokesman said.

Flames and dark smoke spread over a cement factory that was ignited by a forest fire that swept through olive trees and forests and disrupted train traffic near Patras.

"How does it look? It looks like judgment day. We came from Athens with our volunteer association Kalistenis, and we won't be able to do more. God help us and our people here," volunteer firefighter Yorgos Karvanis said, who worked on the fire near Patras.

Authorities issued an evacuation order for residents of a town of about 7,700 people near Patras on Tuesday and issued new warnings on Wednesday, asking residents of two nearby villages to leave their homes. On Chios island, the Coast Guard used boats to evacuate people to safety as flames reached the shores.

Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and the Balkans are also fighting forest fires in recent days, after a heat wave pushed temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in several regions of Europe. In Albania and Montenegro, forest fires have destroyed homes and property since last week.

The post 'It looks like judgment day': Wildfires force mass evacuations across Greece appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

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.

The post Israel faces hottest day of 2025 with 124°F peak appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

This video of the Guadalupe was shot in Kerrville, Tx from the Center Bridge. Watch how fast these flood waters were traveling & washing everything in front of it out.
It goes from low & barley flowing to over the top of the bridge in around 35 minutes.
I sped the video up to… pic.twitter.com/NcQe4UAQBa

— Clyp Keeper (@DGrayTexas45) July 6, 2025

The catastrophic flooding in Kerr County has claimed the lives of at least 43 individuals, including 15 children, while an additional eight fatalities occurred in surrounding counties, The Associated Press reported. Officials have not disclosed the total number of missing persons beyond the children from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp situated along a river in Kerr County where the majority of victims were found, The Associated Press stated.

The devastating, rapidly moving waters surged 26 feet (8 meters) on the Guadalupe River in merely 45 minutes before dawn on Friday, sweeping away residences and vehicles. The threat persisted as rainfall continued to hammer communities near San Antonio on Saturday, with flash flood warnings and watches remaining active.

Emergency personnel deployed helicopters, watercraft, and drones to search for victims and rescue individuals trapped in trees and at camps cut off by washed-out roadways. Governor Greg Abbott pledged that authorities would maintain round-the-clock operations and announced that new areas were being searched as floodwaters subsided. He designated Sunday as a day of prayer for the state. "I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday – for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines," Abbott stated.

Officials are facing examination over whether the camps and residents in areas historically susceptible to flooding received adequate warning and whether sufficient preparations were implemented. AccuWeather reported that the private forecasting company and the National Weather Service issued warnings about potential flash flooding hours in advance." These warnings should have provided officials with ample time to evacuate camps such as Camp Mystic and get people to safety," AccuWeather stated. The company characterized the Hill Country as one of the most flash-flood-prone regions in the US due to its terrain and numerous water crossings.

The hills surrounding the Guadalupe River in central Texas are scattered with century-old youth camps and campgrounds where multiple generations of families have gathered to swim and enjoy outdoor activities. The region experiences particular popularity around the July Fourth holiday, complicating efforts to determine how many individuals are missing. "We don't even want to begin to estimate at this time," Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice stated earlier.

At the Mo-Ranch Camp in the Hunt community, officials had monitored weather conditions and decided to relocate several hundred campers and attendees at a church youth conference to higher ground. At nearby Camps Rio Vista and Sierra Vista, organizers also mentioned on social media that they were monitoring weather conditions the day before concluding their second summer session Thursday.

Desperate parents and families shared photographs of missing loved ones and appeals for information. Officials reported that more than 850 people had been rescued in the previous 36 hours, with heroic efforts at the camps to save children. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrived and committed that the Trump administration would utilize all available resources. Coast Guard helicopters and aircraft were providing assistance to ensure operations could continue even in darkness.

A real life illustration on the power and speed of a Texas Flash Flood . If you don't understand - this is why people sleeping might have been swept away. This is few hours ago (afternoon of July 5) on the Llano River at the crossing of Ranch Road 3404 at the Kingsland Slab, a… pic.twitter.com/pZiPgKlNb0

— JW Spencer (@jeffwspencer) July 5, 2025

 One reunification center at an elementary school remained mostly quiet after accommodating hundreds of evacuees the previous day. "We still have people coming here looking for their loved ones. We've had a little success, but not much," stated Bobby Templeton, superintendent of Ingram Independent School District.

In Ingram, Erin Burgess awakened to thunder and rain in the middle of the night. Just 20 minutes later, water was flooding into her home, she reported. She described an agonizing hour clinging to a tree with her teenage son. "My son and I floated to a tree where we hung onto it, and my boyfriend and my dog floated away. He was lost for a while, but we found them," she explained.

The post 50+ dead, 27 missing in tragic Texas flood appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The dramatic sight prompted mass evacuations as thousands mistook the atmospheric phenomenon for an approaching disaster. People seeking relief from scorching temperatures near the ocean found themselves witnessing an unprecedented meteorological display. Stunning footage and photographs of the cloud formation immediately went viral across social media platforms. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) subsequently verified the legitimacy of the captured imagery.

These roll clouds, classified scientifically as volutus clouds, were characterized by IPMA as horizontal cylindrical cloud formations developing around a horizontal rotational axis. The formations appeared to surge from the ocean toward the mainland. Their rapid movement, accompanied by powerful wind gusts caught beachgoers completely off guard, prompting widespread beach evacuations. While the dramatic visual spectacle generated considerable alarm among visitors who quickly evacuated the water, meteorological experts emphasized that these cloud types present no danger to public safety.

It was nuts to have experienced this rolling cloud in the north of Portugal. Felt like a tsunami out of a movie!
Apparently it was 150km long, stretching from Figueira da Foz all the way up to Vila do Conde, which is close to where I was. pic.twitter.com/BOnr4knsJe

— Helder (@HelderHP) June 30, 2025

Climate specialist Mario Marques explained that roll clouds pose no hazard despite their intimidating appearance, describing them as rare yet magnificent natural phenomena. Portugal has witnessed similar cloud formations previously. Historical volutus cloud sightings have been documented across multiple coastal regions, including Figueira da Foz, Póvoa de Varzim, Vila do Conde, Esposende, Ovar, Torreira, Mira, Praia de Barra, and Espinho.

The meteorological conditions on the day these roll clouds appeared featured extreme temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) alongside significant atmospheric turbulence. Portugal currently endures a severe heat wave affecting most of Europe, with temperature readings reaching 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit) across certain regions. These exceptional weather patterns are generating various meteorological phenomena, including intense thunderstorms and hailstorms.

The cloud formation process stems from temperature contrasts between oceanic and terrestrial surfaces, amplified by interactions between sea breezes and circulating warm air masses. Roll clouds develop when ascending warm, moisture-laden air reaches the troposphere's upper regions – the lowest atmospheric stratum supporting human life – encountering cooler air streams that compress humid air where condensation occurs most readily. Volutus cloud appearances generally signal modest weather transitions, including incoming sea breezes or advancing cold fronts.

Official recognition came through the World Meteorological Organization's cloud atlas during its most recent 2017 revision. Roll clouds require precise meteorological circumstances and occur most commonly in locations such as Australia, where locals call them "morning glories." These particular atmospheric conditions manifest across diverse global regions, particularly coastal zones.

The post Massive 'tsunami cloud' terrifies Portuguese beachgoers in viral video appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Dangerous heat conditions were documented across Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal ahead of the weekend, with both residents and visitors seeking refuge from the punishing temperatures. Portuguese authorities placed two-thirds of the nation under high alert status on Sunday for extreme heat and wildfire threats, with meteorologists forecasting temperatures to reach 107 degrees Fahrenheit in the capital city of Lisbon.

Several Italian regions – including Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia, and Umbria – prepared to prohibit certain outdoor labor activities during peak heat periods as a response to the unprecedented temperature levels. Labor organizations across Italy urged the national government to implement these protective measures nationwide.

The Italian Health Ministry designated 21 of 27 monitored municipalities under its most severe heat warning level Sunday, encompassing popular tourist destinations such as Rome, Milan, and Naples. Throughout Rome, visitors sought shelter near famous attractions including the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, utilizing umbrellas for protection while hydrating at public water stations to combat the oppressive heat. Comparable situations unfolded in Milan and Naples, where street vendors distributed lemonade to both tourists and locals as relief from the sweltering conditions.

Greek authorities maintained elevated wildfire alert status due to the extreme weather conditions, with the season's first major heat wave projected to persist through the weekend period. A substantial wildfire erupted south of Athens on Thursday, necessitating evacuations and highway closures near the historic Temple of Poseidon. Powerful winds accelerated the flames' spread, causing property damage and filling the atmosphere with smoke. Emergency response teams deployed 130 firefighters and 12 helicopters to combat the blaze, while law enforcement evacuated 40 individuals from five designated evacuation zones.

Spanish residents and tourists struggled to maintain comfort during the weekend as the nation experienced temperatures reaching 107 degrees Fahrenheit in Seville and other locations throughout southern and central regions. Spain's southern territories registered temperatures exceeding seasonal norms, triggering health advisories and safety guidance from government officials. The national weather service Aemet indicated June appears destined to establish another record as the hottest such month in recorded history.

Specialists cautioned that extreme heat conditions can disrupt normal activities, particularly affecting at-risk groups, including elderly individuals and children. Regional authorities recommended avoiding strenuous physical activities during the day's hottest periods while emphasizing increased fluid consumption.

The post Extreme heat scorches southern Europe as wildfire warnings intensify appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The eastern and southern origin of these cloud formations substantially increases the flash flood risk in all vulnerable areas. It's crucial to understand that this is a highly volatile weather event, making precise predictions of rainfall location, intensity, and distribution impossible. The outcome could range from significant nationwide rainfall to precipitation limited to just a few isolated locations.

Wednesday will feature pleasant spring conditions through most of the day, though light localized showers are expected in several areas beginning in the morning hours. Localized rain accompanied by isolated thunderstorms will occur from northern Israel to the Negev. The Judean Desert and Dead Sea region face a mild risk of flash floods. Strong easterly winds will affect northern areas, potentially causing haze conditions. Temperatures will drop across the country.

Precipitation will begin Wednesday morning in scattered locations including Kiryat Shmona, portions of the Golan Heights extending to Tiberias, as well as southern areas near the Gaza border communities, western Negev, Jerusalem mountains, Gush Etzion and Hebron. By afternoon and evening, the light rainfall will expand to additional regions. The Meteorological Service has issued warnings about potential flash floods in the Judean Desert, Dead Sea area, northeastern Negev, and Negev highlands. While the threat will persist throughout the day, it will reach its peak between 12 noon and 7 p.m.

Expected temperatures: Golan Heights 61-63 degrees, northern mountains 57 degrees, central mountains 59-63 degrees, southern mountains 63 degrees, coastal regions 68-72 degrees, and lowland areas 70-73 degrees.

Thursday will bring intensified rainfall beginning in the morning hours. Precipitation will develop near the Egyptian border and Eilat area in the south before spreading northward to extensive portions of the Negev and Arava regions. Most parts of the country can expect localized showers accompanied by thunderstorms.

Officials warn of severe flash flood risks in Negev and Arava wadis extending to the Dead Sea area, along with potential flooding on roadways leading south toward Eilat. These flood conditions could become widespread, resulting in significant traffic disruptions and road closures.

Easterly winds will affect the northern mountains, while northerly winds will develop along the coast from afternoon hours. Most cloud formations will approach from the east, concentrating primarily over the Golan Heights in the north and the Arava and Eilat regions in the south. Well-developed cloud systems opposite Eilat in Jordanian territory may move into the Arava and Eilat areas, potentially delivering substantial rainfall.

Expected temperatures: Golan Heights 64 degrees, northern mountains 57-59 degrees, central mountains 59-61 degrees, southern mountains 63-64 degrees, coastal areas 70-73 degrees, and lowland regions 72-73 degrees.

Friday will bring a significant temperature decrease, from a high of 73 degrees to a low of 52 degrees in the central mountains (archive), Photo: Oren Ben Hakon

On Friday, localized showers with isolated thunderstorms will affect most regions across the country. Flash flood concerns will persist in Negev and eastern wadis. Rainfall activity will gradually diminish throughout the day.

Light rain will fall nationwide from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat at the beginning of Friday night. The precipitation will subsequently intensify across most regions, though diminishing in the north and Eilat area. By afternoon and evening hours, rainfall will gradually weaken to light showers before ceasing completely.

Cloud formations will approach from the east, initially entering the eastern regions from the Golan to Eilat. These systems will subsequently reach the mountain ridge before descending toward the coastal plain. Some locations will experience highly developed cloud systems capable of delivering heavy rainfall even in typically arid regions, substantially elevating the risk of flooding, including severe flood events, to extremely high levels.

Expected temperatures: Golan Heights 61-63 degrees, northern mountains 55 degrees, central mountains 52 degrees, southern mountains 55 degrees, coastal regions 61-64 degrees, and lowland areas 59-61 degrees.

The post Medicane warning: Israel braces for rare tropical cyclone, floods appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

According to Dr. Amir Givati, director of the Meteorological Service, "The snow is not expected to accumulate beyond a thin layer on the ground, but attention should be paid to wet roads from the light precipitation and possible ice formation toward morning." Temperatures will reach their lowest point overnight, with a slight warming trend beginning on Tuesday.

In Jerusalem, snow flurries were observed intermittently throughout the morning, expected to cease completely within the hour. Jerusalem municipality is already beginning to return to routine operations, planning to return snow plows to their stations within several hours. The salt quantities purchased were spread on roads to help manage ice formation.

The severe cold wave named Coral is nearing its end, but not before it sends temperatures plummeting to freezing levels yet again all across Israel, making Monday night the potentially the coldest this winter. Tuesday morning is expected to be particularly cold with frost possible in large parts of the country following an especially cold and freezing night.

The severe cold will weaken during the afternoon hours on Tuesdya with an additional sign of mild warming being the absence of frost in the coming night. In the coming days, it will still be very cold, but a gradual warming of one or two degrees Celsius (1.8–3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) will begin each day. Additionally, the Mediterranean Sea will be very dangerous for swimming on Tuesday, and people should be cautious and avoid entering the water.

The post Rare snowfall reaches Mount Carmel as Israel prepares for the big freeze appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.