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TEL AVIV — Israel experienced its driest winter in more than a decade, with less than 40 percent of the average seasonal rainfall recorded for December, January, and February, according to a report released Monday by the Israel Meteorological Service.
The data reveals that the Golan Heights, in particular, is facing its driest conditions since measurements began in 1968.
Typically, the winter months of December through February contribute around two-thirds of Israel’s annual precipitation. However, this year, the situation was starkly different.
January, usually a peak month for rainfall, was unseasonably sunny. Although February recorded a higher-than-average number of rainy days, it was also the coldest February since 2003.
The persistent dry spell has been especially severe in the Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights, which have been classified as “extremely dry” on the drought index. The last time such conditions were observed was during the 2013-2014 season.
The southern coastal plain and the lowlands are also experiencing parched conditions unseen since the winter of 1998-1999.
Most other parts of the country were categorized as “dry” or “drier than usual,” signaling widespread water concerns as Israel heads into the warmer months.
The Sea of Galilee, Israel’s largest natural freshwater reservoir, has not been spared from the impacts of this dry winter. On Tuesday, water levels stood at 2.11 meters (about 692 feet) below sea level, and 2.46 meters (approximately eight feet) below the upper red line, which marks the maximum safe capacity.
The lower red line, set at -213 meters (-699 feet) below sea level, is a critical threshold, beyond which further water extraction could severely damage the lake’s ecosystem.
Despite the bleak outlook, the Sea of Galilee’s reduced significance to Israel’s water security has alleviated some concerns.
The expansion of desalination plants and advancements in water recycling have lessened the nation’s reliance on natural water sources.
Desalinated and recycled water now constitute the majority of Israel’s water supply, ensuring a more resilient response to fluctuations in natural rainfall.
The Israel Meteorological Service has forecasted rain from Wednesday to Friday this week, but officials have cautioned that it is unlikely to significantly alter the current situation.
As the country braces for the impacts of a prolonged dry spell, water management strategies and conservation efforts are expected to take center stage.
With climate patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, experts warn that Israel may need to further invest in water security measures to combat the growing threat of droughts.