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

Israel's summer is set to deliver a surprising mix of extreme heat and localized thunderstorms on Sunday. The Israel Meteorological Service has issued a red warning for extreme heat, effective from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., affecting areas like the Beit She'an Valley, Kinneret Valley, and Judean Desert. Simultaneously, the service forecasts possible flooding in the Judean Desert, Dead Sea area, northern Arava, and northeastern Negev due to afternoon rain and thunderstorms, primarily in eastern Israel.

Temperatures are expected to decrease slightly on Monday, offering some relief from the heat. The day will be partly cloudy with temperatures slightly below average in mountainous and inland regions, though local rain remains possible in the east. Tuesday will see partly cloudy to clear conditions with no significant temperature changes. By Wednesday, the weather will become mostly clear with a slight rise in temperatures in the mountains and inland areas.

This unusual forecast follows heavy rainfall in eastern Israel on Saturday, which caused flooding and flash floods in several neighborhoods of Jerusalem and the Judean Desert. Forecasters note that while light summer rain is not unheard of, the current event's intensity and timing are atypical. Atmospheric instability led to cloud development over southern and eastern Israel, producing substantial rainfall in short periods, conditions more common in autumn. The amount of rain recorded in the Judean Desert is particularly unusual for August and may represent a historic record.