Rain is expected to resume as early as Saturday morning, with precipitation forecast for northern and central parts of the country. At the same time, the gradual drop in temperatures that began on Friday is expected to continue.

A marked escalation is forecast for Sunday. The first half of the day is expected to be very rainy, with intense downpours, isolated thunderstorms and a heightened risk of flooding in the central and southern coastal areas, the central highlands, Samaria and the Jerusalem hills. Flash floods are also expected in the Judean Desert, along Dead Sea wadis and as far south as the northern Negev.

Rainfall focus on central and southern Israel

According to meteorological models, the heaviest rainfall totals are expected in central Israel, including the coastal plain, the central highlands, Gush Etzion and the Hebron area, as well as parts of the Jordan Valley.

In cities such as Ashdod and Yavne, some scenarios predict unusually high cumulative rainfall of about 100 to 150 millimeters (roughly 4 to 6 inches). Similar amounts may be recorded along the central coast, the central lowlands and the central highlands, significantly increasing concerns about serious flooding.

By contrast, rainfall totals in northern Israel are expected to be lower at this stage. In the area between Netanya and Atlit and in inland parts of the north, forecasts point to about 30 to 60 millimeters (around 1 to 2.5 inches). Similar amounts are expected in Tiberias, the Golan Heights and the Kokhav HaYarden area.

In Haifa and the Carmel Ridge, forecasts are even lower, at just 10 to 30 millimeters (less than 1.2 inches). However, heavier rainfall of about 80 to 100 millimeters (3 to 4 inches) may accumulate in the Upper Galilee and around Nahariya. Forecasters note that additional rain systems are expected early next week, at least through Tuesday, which could improve overall rainfall totals in the north.

Forecast for the coming days

Wednesday: Partly cloudy to clear. The Mediterranean Sea will be calm to slightly choppy. The Sea of Galilee and the Red Sea will be calm.

Thursday: Partly cloudy to clear, with no significant change in temperatures. Strong easterly winds are expected in the northern mountains and Samaria during the morning.

Friday: Partly cloudy with a slight drop in temperatures. Light drizzle to localized light rain is possible in the north and along the coastal plain.

Saturday: Intermittent rain in the north and central regions, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms. Local rain is possible in the northern Negev. Temperatures will drop slightly again, mainly in the mountains and inland areas.

Monday and Tuesday are expected to be very cold, and the rain, as noted, may continue.

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Such a ranking of the five worst airports in the world, as well as the three best airports in the world, was recently published by travel insurance comparison platform iService. The platform built the ranking around several parameters: efficiency of immigration and customs officials, check-in wait times, airport accessibility, and the level of security checks at the airport.

Regarding the world's worst airports, it turns out that the airport where you will feel the greatest stress and helplessness is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. This airport received 18.46 points out of one hundred in the index. Survey editors note that, regarding the airport, the two worst points are check-in and arrival options.

The second-worst airport on the list is Humberto Delgado Airport, serving the city of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The airport received 22.5 points out of 100. The most problematic aspect of this airport is flight delays, which average 27.39 minutes over the past year.

The third-worst airport is Manchester Airport, which received 23.10 points out of 100, surpassing the rest of Britain's airports. The airport recorded 69% dissatisfaction with baggage arrival and handling, and also suffers from long wait times in the security screening area.

The two airports closing the list of five worst airports are John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (26.83 points) and O'Hare International Airport in Chicago (30.01 points).

The best airports

Beyond the stressful airports, the survey also ranks the five best airports in the world, where you will be significantly calmer when you need to depart from them. The first place is occupied by Changi Airport in Singapore (82.7 points out of 100). This is the airport ranked second in the area of flight cancellation rate, with only Seoul's airport above it.

The airport has won first place 13 consecutive times in Skytrax's World Airport Awards for best airports. Survey editors noted that Changi Airport offers a multitude of attractions, such as a butterfly garden, indoor rock climbing, and free movies at the airport cinema. The airport also maintains the world's largest indoor waterfall (131 feet, approximately 43 meters). Around the waterfall, there is lush vegetation and leisure and recreation spaces that are open to everyone.

In the honorable second place is Hamad Airport in Doha (75.89 points), followed by Incheon International Airport in Seoul (72.61 points).

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Chaim Levy, a Sydney resident, was present at the scene and survived the massacre. He told Israel Hayom, "We were there in complete shock. I was with my wife and two children, and we fled for our lives. I saw the bullets flying in every direction. I sat behind a car for 20 minutes with my child, waiting for the shooting to stop. It was non-stop shooting, and many casualties. According to testimonies, there were only about four police officers there."

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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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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.

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"An earthquake occurring in Greece or Cyprus will barely affect us. Even earthquakes exceeding magnitude five will still leave us almost untouched," the researcher explained. "If a 2004 Pacific Ocean earthquake devastated Indonesian coasts, killing hundreds of thousands, and a 2011 destructive earthquake struck Japan's Fukushima reactors, no comparable danger exists regionally. The Mediterranean Sea's small size prevents the development of large tsunamis. The most severe scenario brings waves reaching one meter high."

The country remains unprepared

Nevertheless, Dr. Avni delivers no reassuring message and emphasizes that Israeli citizens face exceptional exposure to earthquake damage from the Syrian-African fault. "Statistical projections indicate one earthquake per century. The prior earthquake struck in 1927, and now, 98 years later, we sit squarely within the statistical window."

Video: The destruction in west Turkey following an earthquake. Credit: X

The source stated, "Israel should have prepared substantially for earthquakes, yet in reality, only 87 schools across risk zones have been strengthened from 1,600 functioning regionally. Moreover, five of seven hospitals fail to meet protective requirements. These numbers persist despite a 2008 decision allocating 3.5 billion shekels ($987 million) addressing concerns over 25 years, representing 140 million shekels ($39 million) annually."

This predicament persisted after 2010 when the government initiated funding for the sector. Allocation continued approximately two years before stalling when the Treasury Ministry demanded Health and Education ministries finance reinforcements independently. The saga extended until 2017-2018 when two powerful earthquakes struck Syria and Turkey. In 2019, the government committed five billion shekels ($1.41 billion) for reinforcements, projecting implementation through 2030. Yet even here, merely 850 million shekels ($240 million) have materialized. "All while discussing critical infrastructure protection," Dr. Avni clarified.

The nightmare projection – magnitude 7.5 earthquake

Does the once-per-century statistic hold absolutely?

Dr. Avni noted this represents an average. "The country's last earthquake occurred in 1927. Previously, a devastating earthquake demolished Safed city, causing 5,000 fatalities in 1837. Earlier, in 1759, a severe earthquake hit the Bekaa Valley. Though intervals occasionally widened, the average remains roughly centennial. From this perspective, we occupy the danger zone, yet no comprehensive preparation exists, as the State Comptroller highlighted in the 2024 earthquake follow-up report."

Dr. Michael Weiss, Emergency Medicine Department head at Safed Academic College, outlined the nightmare scenario underlying national emergency readiness. "Israel's earthquake nightmare scenario depicts a magnitude 7.5 earthquake centered in Beit She'an. The scenario projects 16,000 fatalities, 6,000 severe injuries, and approximately 377,000 evacuations. Additionally, 10,000 buildings would collapse with tens of thousands sustaining major structural damage."

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Hundreds of antisemitic responses appeared on the newspaper's social media and website, including demands that Carasso, a third-generation Holocaust survivor, "go back to Auschwitz like his grandfather," claims that Jewish history proves they "love to murder babies," and caricatures of Israeli Defense Forces soldiers with Nazi swastikas on their arms.

Carasso noted that Israel and the world mark Kristallnacht, the night when antisemitism raised its head in Nazi Germany. Hundreds of Jews were murdered and many synagogues were set on fire. "Today, as it was then, there are those who try to burn our hearts and spread antisemitism – on social media, on the media and on the streets," he said.

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The individuals who established the starting date of a Hebrew month were members of the Jewish court residing in the Land of Israel, first in Jerusalem and later in the town of Yavneh after its destruction. This situation led to many regions in the Jewish world being uncertain whether a new month had already been declared in the Land of Israel or if the declaration was delayed by one day. This situation evolved because they needed to wait for two witnesses to testify about it.

Due to this reason, Jews throughout the world continue to observe holidays twice to this day. Passover Seder is observed for two nights, Shavuot is observed for two days, and so forth. This became an established and obligatory practice despite the fact that nowadays the procedure for establishing months in the Hebrew calendar is predetermined and not decided based on witness testimony.

The Yom Kippur exception

The doubling that developed from communication gaps should theoretically have affected Yom Kippur too, as it wasn't clear when the court declared Rosh Chodesh Tishrei. Yet here, authorities determined not to require the community to fast two days, partly since this was a religious requirement that obviously most Jews couldn't meet, and also because it presents life-threatening risks.

However, every principle has its exceptions. Such a person was the Babylonian Amora Rava, who strictly fasted on the 10th day of Tishrei and the 11th, fearing that the month's declaration was delayed by a day in the Land of Israel. The Amora Bar Avuy of Shmuel bar Rav Yitzchak likewise fasted two days, though his body couldn't endure it, and in one year this practice caused his death.

Either way, theoretically, once the Hebrew calendar was finalized and people stopped waiting for the court's decision in the Land of Israel, there was no reasonable justification to fast two days, as it was evident when Yom Kippur occurred. Yet some still fasted for two days.

Testimony to this appears in the liturgical and legal text Machzor Vitry, composed by Rabbi Simcha ben Shmuel of Vitry, Rashi's disciple. In the machzor, Rashi's student recounts that "I heard regarding the Geonim R' Yehuda bar Baruch and R' Yitzchak bar Yehuda, may their memory be blessed, that they fasted on the day following Yom Kippur. Their children and disciples continue this practice."

The debate over Yom Kippur observance in Japan

The practice of fasting for two days for Yom Kippur was dismissed by the majority of Jews and their leadership and disappeared entirely. Yet during World War II, the issue resurfaced when the Mir Yeshiva and additional European refugees escaped via Russia to Japan. Reaching Japan prompted questions about when the Sabbath occurs and when festivals take place in the remote island country.

The issue was – where does Jewish law place the date boundary separating the globe's two sections? Certain rabbinic scholars maintained the decisive line sits directly across from Jerusalem on the globe's opposite side, specifically 180 degrees from Jerusalem. Still, others maintained the line runs through East Asia roughly where China starts – specifically, 90 degrees from Jerusalem.

This created a difficulty, since sections of Japan sit precisely between these two boundaries – meaning the Sabbath and Yom Kippur, for instance, would fall on separate days according to each rabbinic view. The difference between these two views, with both backed by numerous prominent rabbinic figures, resulted in some Mir Yeshiva students planning to fast two days. Ultimately, for various reasons, a major gathering convened in Jerusalem under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Herzog determined that the date boundary lies 180 degrees from Jerusalem. Most rabbinic scholars adopted this view, although discussions concerning this matter persist to this day.

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