Extreme heat breaks as flash flood warnings issued across Israel

Israel’s grueling heatwave is set to give way to a dramatic weather reversal this weekend, with temperatures plummeting and heavy rainfall expected to sweep across the country. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority and rescue units have issued warnings of potential flash floods in desert wadis (seasonal riverbeds) across Judean Desert regions, the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea area, where sudden downpours could pose serious risks of dangerous water surges.

The shift from intense summer heat to wet weather brings both relief and concern for Israelis. Whilst the cooler temperatures and August rainfall will be welcome after the intense heatwave, the rapid weather change carries significant hazards. Desert and arid regions are particularly vulnerable to flooding, as their dry, hardened ground cannot absorb heavy rainfall quickly, causing water to accumulate rapidly and dangerously.

Rescue and emergency services are preparing for the worst-case scenario, urging residents and visitors to avoid wadi areas and low-lying regions where flash floods are most likely to strike. The combination of localized heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected over the coming days means that conditions could deteriorate quickly, potentially trapping people in flood-prone areas. Authorities have recommended that the public remain alert to weather updates and heed all guidance from emergency services.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.