Israel Warns Against Mediterranean Swimming After Coastal Rain

Israel’s Health Ministry warned the public on Saturday, November 7, against swimming at Mediterranean bathing beaches after rain fell along the coastal plain. The ministry cited concern that runoff and drainage water were flowing toward the beaches. Its announcement did not identify individual affected beaches. The warning applies “until further notice,” the ministry said in an announcement signed by spokesperson Shira Solomon. It gave no date for lifting the advisory. The ministry also reiterated that bathing is permitted only at officially designated beaches, alongside its warning against Mediterranean swimming. The Israel Meteorological Service’s Saturday forecast, updated at 04:45 local time, predicted intermittent rain and thunderstorms in northern and central Israel, with local rain in the northern Negev. It forecast local flooding along the coastal plain, particularly its central and southern sections, and local flash floods in Judean Desert and Dead Sea streams. Brisk westerly winds and temperatures below the seasonal norm were also forecast. A dated orange flooding warning covered the Carmel, the northern, central and southern coastal plain, and the Judean Foothills from 22:00 on November 6 until 22:00 on November 7. The service’s overnight forecast retained rain, isolated thunderstorms and concern about flooding in coastal cities. The Health Ministry’s swimming advisory remained open-ended rather than sharing the weather warning’s stated expiry time.