Heavy rain threatens Israel's coastal cities with flooding and traffic chaos

Israel is bracing for a stormy weekend, with significant flooding feared in central coastal cities and major transportation disruptions possible. Heavy rainfall is expected across the country, with accumulated precipitation potentially exceeding 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) along the coastal plain and in other areas. The Israel Meteorological Service has warned that intense downpours pose a genuine risk of significant urban flooding, particularly in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and farther south toward Ashkelon.

The meteorological service has published a map showing the total rainfall expected over the coming days. Rain is expected intermittently across northern and central Israel on Friday, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms. Occasional local showers are also forecast in the northern Negev. Localized flooding is possible along the coastal plain, particularly in its central and southern sections, while streams in the northern Dead Sea area could experience flash floods.

Temperatures will fall below seasonal averages, with brisk winds across most of the country. Rain and isolated thunderstorms will continue overnight Friday into Saturday, extending from northern Israel to the northern Negev. Localized flooding is expected in coastal cities, especially along the central and southern coast. Flash floods are also possible in streams throughout the Judean Desert and Dead Sea region. The storm is expected to peak Saturday morning, when several locations along the coast could receive tens of millimeters of rain within just a few hours.

Flooding and travel disruptions are expected across the coastal region, particularly from the Tel Aviv metropolitan area southward. Temperatures will drop further, remaining below seasonal averages. Local showers are also forecast in the northern Negev, with flash flood risks continuing in the Judean Desert and Dead Sea area. Strong westerly winds will blow across much of Israel. The new week will begin with little significant change. Sunday will be partly to mostly cloudy, with local showers continuing across northern and central Israel.

Isolated thunderstorms remain possible during the morning, and localized flooding could still affect the coastal plain until midday. Rainfall will gradually weaken and become less frequent during the afternoon, while temperatures will remain below normal for the season. Monday will be partly to mostly cloudy, with no significant change in temperatures, which will remain below seasonal averages. Strong northerly winds are expected along the coast during the afternoon.

Forecast temperatures for Friday and overnight: Jerusalem 13–19°C (55–66°F), Tel Aviv 16–24°C (61–75°F), Haifa 17–23°C (63–73°F), Safed 13–18°C (55–64°F), Katzrin 16–22°C (61–72°F), Tiberias 17–24°C (63–75°F), Nazareth 16–22°C (61–72°F), Afula 17–24°C (63–75°F), Beit She'an 19–24°C (66–75°F), Lod 16–22°C (61–72°F), Ashdod 16–23°C (61–73°F), Ein Gedi 21–26°C (70–79°F), Be'er Sheva 17–23°C (63–73°F), Mitzpe Ramon 15–20°C (59–68°F) and Eilat 21–28°C (70–82°F).