The Water Authority has issued a stark warning: the winter of 2025 is on track to become the driest in a century, an alarming phenomenon with potentially dire consequences. As Israel battles the escalating effects of climate change, the lack of rainfall has already shattered historic records, leaving the country facing a significant hydrological challenge.
The Sea of Galilee, Israel’s most important natural freshwater reservoir, has risen by a meager two centimeters (less than 0.8 inches) in January—an unprecedentedly low increase. Meanwhile, the Jordan River, a crucial waterway, is experiencing its weakest water flow since records began in 1960 for this time of year. Experts are calling it a "severe hydrological drought," and the implications could extend far beyond the coming months.
Alarming statistic: This is the driest winter measured in Israel in the last hundred years.
— Netanel Worthy - נתנאל וורתי (@NetanelWorthy) February 2, 2025
A Parched Land: Record-Low Rainfall Across Israel
Meteorological records reveal a shocking reality: January 2025 has seen rainfall levels plummet to historic lows, particularly in northern Israel, which typically experiences the heaviest winter precipitation. The Israel Meteorological Service has reported zero recorded precipitation in several critical regions, including:
- Nimrod Fortress on Mount Hermon
- Banias and Tel Dan Nature Reserves in the Hula Valley
- Yehudiya and Mashushim Reserves in the Golan Heights
- Mount Canaan in the Upper Galilee
According to Israeli media company Yediot Aharonoth's Ynet website, Dr. Amir Givati, director of the Israel Meteorological Service, described the situation as "unprecedented in modern history," noting that these traditionally rain-soaked areas have never gone an entire January without measurable precipitation.
🌧️ Where's the rain? This winter has left Israel parched, with rainfall reported at only 60% of the national average—and a shocking 30% in the arid south. 🌵
— Jewish News Syndicate (@JNS_org) January 22, 2025
What does this mean for the year ahead?
[Image: Flash90] pic.twitter.com/QsNCHnPwaR
Even in major cities across Israel, rainfall has been drastically below average:
- Jerusalem & Beersheba: 35% of expected rainfall
- Western Negev: 30%
- Tel Aviv: 50%
- Modi'in: 36%
- Haifa: 79%
- Tiberias: 63%
- Galilee & Northern Golan Heights: 50%
- Nahariya: 70%
While a few areas, such as Zichron Yaakov, received above-average rainfall, the precipitation was concentrated in short, intense bursts, leading to floods and infrastructure damage rather than replenishing reservoirs.
Let it Flow: Last week, Israel began streaming desalinated water from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee (Kineret) to protect and preserve this important water source.
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) January 8, 2023
📷Mekorot & Topline pic.twitter.com/GDjjmN3anH
Drought Intensifies, No Relief in Sight
Despite hopes for a reprieve, long-term forecasts offer little comfort. The Israel Meteorological Service reports that the synoptic weather patterns responsible for this extreme drought show no signs of shifting in the foreseeable future.
Looking ahead:
- Tuesday-Thursday: A gradual warming trend, with easterly winds strengthening in the mountains.
- Friday: Possibility of light local rain in the north and central regions.
- Saturday-Monday: Dry conditions persist.
- Long-Term Outlook: According to the BBC’s 14-day forecast, only scattered light showers are predicted for February 9-10, with no substantial rainfall on the horizon.
The Climate Crisis & The Drying of Israel
Climate experts are attributing this extreme drought to the accelerating climate crisis. Professor Adi Wolfson, a leading expert in green engineering, warns that Israel is experiencing not only an agricultural drought but also a climatic drought.
"The climate crisis is fundamentally altering the water cycle," Wolfson explains. "As sea temperatures rise and the atmosphere warms, more water evaporates, leading to increased moisture in the air. However, this does not necessarily translate to consistent rainfall. Instead, we see erratic and extreme weather patterns—intense downpours in short bursts rather than steady, widespread precipitation."
This shift has grave consequences for Israel’s water security:
- Soil Degradation: As soil dries out, its ability to absorb rainfall diminishes, exacerbating the risk of flash floods when heavy rains finally arrive.
- Depletion of Aquifers: Underground water reservoirs are being drained faster than they can be replenished.
- Threat to Natural Ecosystems: Unlike Israel’s desalination-reliant infrastructure, nature has no alternative water source, leaving forests, wetlands, and wildlife at risk.
From saltwater to freshwater in twenty minutes.
— Erik Solheim (@ErikSolheim) May 14, 2019
Israel 🇮🇱 gets 70% of its drinking water from desalination.
A remarkable achievement. Should inspire other water scarce regions!
pic.twitter.com/J8BJPZybLa
Israel’s Water Resilience: Can Desalination Save the Day?
Despite the severity of the drought, the Water Authority has assured the public that there will be no immediate water shortages, thanks to Israel’s robust desalination infrastructure. Over 70% of Israel’s drinking water now comes from desalinated seawater, reducing reliance on natural reservoirs like the Sea of Galilee. However, experts warn that prolonged drought conditions could put additional strain on the system and necessitate costly adaptations.
A Nation on High Alert
As Israel grapples with this intensifying crisis, meteorologists, climate scientists, and government officials are closely monitoring the situation. If the current drought persists into February and beyond, emergency measures may be required to conserve water and protect agricultural sectors reliant on natural rainfall.
With no significant rain in sight, Israel is staring down one of the most severe droughts in its history—a clear warning sign of the changing climate and the challenges that lie ahead.