On Saturday night, the first winter rain system began entering Israel. With the arrival of the front line in the morning, heavy rains fell in short intervals. This was evident in the north of the country - the deaf dropped 31 mm in 20 minutes, and in Safed Mount Canaan 22 mm fell in 20 minutes.
The winter system has begun: flooding and heavy rains in the north // Photo: Shmuel Buchris, Hatzor Haglilit Council, use under section 27A of the Copyright Law
These rainfall intensities are abnormal, and are a record since the beginning of rain intensity measurements. They are consistent with the trend of increasing events of strong rainfall intensity as part of climate change, according to a review by Dr. Amos Porat, Director of Climate Services at the Israel Meteorological Service.
Meanwhile, the Iron Sword War entered its 44th day on Sunday, with the first rainy winter storm hitting Israel and expected to continue today. A winter storm means a lot of moisture, mud and bitter cold, three factors that make fighting and activity on the ground very difficult.
Against this background, we asked the officers in charge of logistics in the IDF how they help the combat forces continue to function well in the heavy rains.
Colonel Oren Portal, logistics officer of the Southern Command, explained how the command is preparing to assist the reserve forces fighting inside Gaza, as well as the forces behind waiting for their moment of entry into the Gaza Strip: "We prepared for the winter in advance intensively, and purchased a lot of means: rain-proof tents, beds, and weapons that help fight the rain."
"We prepared for the winter in advance intensively." Colonel, photo: IDF Spokesperson
"Every soldier who entered the fighting received storm suits, the purpose of which is to protect from the rain and enable action and fighting. We added gloves, a neck warmer, as well as heating bags and thermoses in which to heat water from batteries. We prepared the crack around it with protected tents and paved roads so that we could move around and not get stuck.
Lt. Col. Erez Peretz, Head of Logistics at the MAG, said: "From the moment we realized that there was fighting into the winter, and not just ongoing activity by the forces, we equipped the fighters with warm clothing, storm suits, donated equipment and tents to stay in the field, while in fact distributing all the equipment we have in the warehouses."
"The General Staff is engaged in buying stronger, more durable, warmer tents for long-term stays." Lt. Col. Erez Peretz, Photo: IDF Spokesperson
"Beyond that, the General Staff is engaged in buying stronger, more durable, and warmer tents for long-term stays. In the field of nutrition as well, we distribute meals to the fighters, not only hot, but also high in calories, because in the cold of the north the body loses more calories, because it works to warm itself in the intense cold, so the food is delicious, nutritious and with a lot of calories," he says.
The forecast in detail:
Today, it will be cooler than usual. The rains will weaken, but will continue to fall from time to time, from the north of the country to the Negev. There will be gusty winds, and there is a risk of flooding in the eastern and southern streams. Rain will stop overnight. The sea will be rough to rough, and dangerous for bathing, with waves 300-500 centimeters high.
On Tuesday, it will be partly cloudy, with an increase in temperatures. In the morning there may be drizzle, to light rain. The Mediterranean Sea will be wavy to high waves and dangerous for bathing, with waves 90-230 centimeters high.
Preparing for the rainy days in the Southern Command with rain-proof tents, photo: IDF Spokesperson
On Wednesday, it will be partly cloudy, with another slight increase in temperatures. They will be close to average for the period. In the north of the country there will be strong easterly winds. The Mediterranean Sea will be wavy with waves 50-130 centimeters high.
Thursday will be fine, with no noticeable change in temperatures. The Mediterranean Sea will be comfortable to wavy with waves 40-80 centimeters high.
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