August disguised as fall: Thunderstorms, extreme heatwave expected as Israel nears end of summer

Israel's summer weather is set to bring an unexpected twist this Sunday, with intense heat accompanied by localized rain and isolated thunderstorms. The Israel Meteorological Service has issued a red warning for extreme heat, which will persist from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday across the Beit She an Valley, Kinneret Valley, Jordan Valley, and northern and southern Judean Desert, Dead Sea areas, and northern Arava.

Temperatures are expected to dip slightly on Monday, providing some relief from the heat, though partly cloudy conditions will prevail with localized rain possible, especially in eastern areas. By Tuesday, the weather will be partly cloudy to clear, with no significant temperature shifts. On Wednesday, conditions will improve, becoming mostly clear, with a slight rise in temperatures in the mountains and inland regions.

The unusual forecast comes after a heavy rainfall event in eastern Israel on Saturday, resulting in significant flooding and flash floods. Ma ale Adumim recorded 26 mm of rain, with 21 mm falling in just one hour. Flooding in eastern Jerusalem neighborhoods necessitated emergency rescues, while about 15 mm of rain fell in Gush Etzion. A flash flood was also reported in the Judean Desert, with water flowing through the upper Kidron Stream following the rain.

Forecaster Danny Roup noted that while light rain or drizzle in summer is not unusual, the current event's intensity and volume differ from typical summer patterns, which are more characteristic of September, October, and November. The most striking aspect was the rainfall amount, with only a select few instances of over 25 mm of rain falling in August since records began, including in the Golan Heights in 2012, Kfar Galim in 1971, and Zichron Ya acov in 1920. The Judean Desert's rainfall is particularly unusual and may even set a historic record.

While global warming is expected to lead to more localized and extreme weather events, attributing this single weather occurrence directly to climate change is not feasible. Authorities have deployed Judea and Samaria District police officers along roads and major routes in at-risk areas, cautioning the public to plan travel in advance and adjust routes accordingly. Hikers are advised to avoid streams and hiking trails in flooded regions due to the high risk of being swept away and the severe danger it poses to life.