Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Across Israel
A significant rain system that began on Sunday has brought unprecedented amounts of precipitation to various regions of Israel, particularly impacting the Sharon area. The Nahal Taninim measuring station recorded a staggering 196 mm of rain in just four hours, marking a new record for this time of year. Other areas also experienced substantial rainfall, with 224 mm measured in Nahal Taninim and 117 mm in Zichron Ya'akov since the onset of the storm.
Flooding has been reported in Zichron Ya'akov and other regions, prompting warnings from officials about the dangers posed by the heavy rains. The Chairman of the Drainage and Rivers Authority, Carmel Aryeh Sharon, emphasized the urgent need for increased government funding to improve drainage systems in light of the climate crisis, which is expected to exacerbate such weather events in the future.
Weather Forecast: Warming Trend Ahead
As the rain system dissipates, the weather is expected to stabilize later this week. Light rains may continue in some areas, but a warming trend is anticipated. On Wednesday, partly cloudy skies will prevail, with local rain expected in northern and central regions. Temperatures are forecasted to rise slightly, ranging from 12-19 degrees Celsius across various areas.
By Thursday, the weather will be predominantly clear with normal seasonal temperatures returning. The weekend is expected to be clear and warmer, with temperatures exceeding seasonal averages. However, there remains a slight chance of light rain returning on Sunday.
Severe Weather Conditions in France
In parallel, France is experiencing its own weather challenges, with heavy rain and strong winds affecting a large part of the country. Météo France has issued warnings for scattered rain and gusts of wind reaching up to 90 km/h in regions such as Hauts-de-France and Normandy. The northern two-thirds of the country will face unsettled weather, with temperatures dropping significantly throughout the day.
The weather is expected to deteriorate further, especially in the Centre and Grand Est regions, where heavy rain and strong winds will prevail. In contrast, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region will enjoy mostly sunny skies, with temperatures reaching up to 18 degrees Celsius. However, the winds will also pick up in this area, particularly along the coast.
Both Israel and France are currently grappling with the impacts of severe weather, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and the need for effective infrastructure to manage such extreme conditions.