Rare August Thunderstorms Bring Rain and Flooding Across Israel

Unusual summer weather was recorded across Israel on Saturday, August 15, with rain falling in Jerusalem, Maaleh Adumim, and the northern Golan Heights, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in several areas. Maaleh Adumim recorded 18.4 millimeters of rain, while Jerusalem received 2 millimeters and Mount Bental in the northern Golan Heights measured 0.4 millimeters.

The rainfall caused flooding in several neighborhoods in eastern and southern Jerusalem. Fire and Rescue Service teams worked to free several people trapped in flooded areas and urged the public to avoid entering parking garages, underground levels, and elevators during flooding, and to stay away from flowing waterways. Route 90 was closed in both directions for about an hour due to concerns over flooding along one section of the highway, and the Israel Meteorological Service issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms and lightning across extensive areas, from the northern mountains and valleys through the central mountain region to the Judean Desert, Dead Sea, and northern Arava. Authorities also prohibited swimming at Achziv Beach in the Western Galilee due to unusual sea conditions.

Additional local rainfall was expected on Sunday afternoon, August 16, primarily in eastern Israel, with concerns over flash floods in streams in the Judean Desert, northern Arava, and northeastern Negev. Temperatures were expected to fall slightly on Monday, August 17, bringing some relief from the heat, before rising again in the mountains and inland areas on Wednesday, August 19.

(INN/VFI News)

“You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance." – Psalm 68:9