Winter storm heads for Israel: Heavy rain and flash flood fears | Forecast

Local rain is expected in northern Israel on Thursday morning, with temperatures falling slightly but remaining close to the seasonal average. Overnight, rain will spread to the coastal plain, accompanied by thunderstorms. On Friday, skies will be cloudy, with rain expected in northern and central Israel. Thunderstorms will develop in parts of the country, while local showers are also forecast for the northern Negev. Flooding is possible along the coastal plain through the afternoon.

Rain will continue on Saturday and intensify in the north and center, where further flooding is expected. Flash floods are also forecast in the northern Negev, the streams of the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea area. The wintry weather will continue into Sunday, when temperatures are expected to drop below the seasonal average. The Israel Meteorological Service noted Wednesday that significant rainstorms have already affected most Mediterranean countries this season, while Israel has so far been influenced mainly by weather systems arriving from the south and east.

But a substantial winter-like weather system is now approaching, bringing heavy rainfall and a significant risk of urban flooding across a wide area, from the Sharon region through greater Tel Aviv, the central lowlands and Lachish region to the southern coast. According to the Meteorological Service's precipitation forecast, the northern coastal plain and Carmel region, including Haifa and areas farther north, could receive 60–100 mm (2.4–3.9 inches) of rain through Saturday.

The central coastal plain, including Hadera and the Sharon region, is expected to receive 40–80 mm (1.6–3.1 inches), while the Upper Galilee and Golan Heights, including the Safed area, could see 40–60 mm (1.6–2.4 inches), with locally higher amounts possible. Tel Aviv and the greater Tel Aviv metropolitan area are forecast to receive approximately 30–50 mm (1.2–2 inches) of rain, while Ashkelon and Ashdod could see 50–70 mm (2–2.8 inches).

Jerusalem is expected to receive more moderate amounts, ranging from 15–30 mm (0.6–1.2 inches). In the south, including Beersheba, Mitzpe Ramon and Eilat, little or no rainfall is forecast, generally less than 5 mm (0.2 inches). Forecast temperatures for Thursday and overnight, from low to high: Jerusalem 14–21°C (57–70°F) Tel Aviv 17–25°C (63–77°F) Haifa 19–24°C (66–75°F) Safed 14–18°C (57–64°F) Katzrin 15–22°C (59–72°F) Tiberias 18–24°C (64–75°F) Nazareth 18–25°C (64–77°F) Afula 15–26°C (59–79°F) Beit She'an 18–28°C (64–82°F) Lod 16–26°C (61–79°F) Ashdod 17–26°C (63–79°F) Ein Gedi 21–27°C (70–81°F) Beersheba 14–26°C (57–79°F) Mitzpe Ramon 15–23°C (59–73°F) Eilat 20–30°C (68–86°F).