Weather Service Warns El Nino Could Bring Floods and Snow

Israel Meteorological Service published new July 2 reports saying an unusually strong El Nino could shape Israel's 2026/27 rainy season. Ynetnews and Hebrew reports say the models point to heavier rain, stronger short bursts, higher odds of mountain snow and possible life-threatening floods, especially in coastal cities and lowland areas including Gush Dan, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Rishon Lezion, Netanya, Haifa and Nahariya. The reports test scenarios of up to 300 millimeters in about four hours over small areas, plus hail, strong winds and infrastructure damage, while stressing these are preparedness scenarios, not certain forecasts. Israel's local authorities should treat civil defense, Shabbat and holiday emergency planning, drainage and lifeline infrastructure as national resilience work.