Winter 2024-2025 one of warmest seen in decades, with Israel recording only 50% of average rainfall; as groundwater declines and Jordan River reaches record-low flow, authorities warn: ‘This trend is concerning’

Ilana Curiel|. 03.20.25

Israel is experiencing a severe drought in 2025, with troubling data pointing to a historic water shortage. For the first time since measurements of the Sea of Galilee began, a daily water level decrease was recorded during February and March, the Water Authority reported on Thursday.

March has never previously seen a drop in water levels, yet this month alone, the Sea of Galilee’s water level has fallen by three centimeters. As of Wednesday, the level stood at -211.295 meters compared to -209.575 meters a year ago, marking a decrease of 172 centimeters in the past year.

The problem extends beyond the Sea of Galilee. Northern rivers and springs are also suffering. This winter, there has been only one instance of flooding in the Jordan River, and in some areas, no flooding occurred at all—a rare phenomenon, according to the Water Authority.

The Jordan River’s annual flow is at its lowest level on record for this time of year, with a discharge rate of just 3.5 cubic meters per second. Similarly, water flow at the Dan Spring at the beginning of March was the lowest since measurements began in 1950.

Ilan Gezer, head of surface water management at the Water Authority, described the situation as concerning. “The Jordan River is the main water source for the Sea of Galilee, and reduced flow means fewer water resources for the lake. There are good years and bad years, but the declining flow from the Sea of Galilee’s springs is worrisome.”

The Israel Meteorological Service reported that 2024 was significantly warmer than average, ranking as the second-hottest year on record. This warming trend is expected to continue in the coming years. Last summer saw record-breaking heat, including the hottest June ever recorded. Groundwater levels are also declining due to the arid conditions, with Israel relying on four major aquifers: the Western Mountain Aquifer (Yarkon-Taninim), the Coastal Aquifer (stretching from Ashkelon to Mount Carmel), the Western Galilee Basin, and the Sea of Galilee.

Dr. Asaf Zohar, head of the environment division at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, warned of severe ecological impacts. “The low flow rates indicate an extreme drought year that will significantly affect the flora and fauna of the rivers. The Jordan Basin is particularly affected, with extremely low flow rates threatening aquatic life and vegetation.” The authority is working with water agencies and agricultural organizations to coordinate water usage and minimize environmental damage.

Dr. Yaacov Lifshitz of the Water Authority’s hydrology service noted that Israel’s groundwater reserves were in good condition at the start of the hydrological year. Currently, groundwater levels are 920 million cubic meters above the red line. “Thanks to years of prudent water management, we were in a strong position. However, this year has been the driest in recorded history, with only 50% of the average rainfall for this period. We are now operating desalination plants at full capacity and will still need to draw from groundwater reserves,” he said.

Dr. Amir Givati, head of the Meteorological Service, described the drought in northern Israel, particularly in the Golan Heights, as unprecedented. Since the beginning of the rainy season, only 250 millimeters of rainfall have been recorded in Merom Golan, compared to an annual average of 800-850 millimeters. Tel Aviv has received 245 millimeters of rain, just 48% of the average, while Haifa has recorded 356 millimeters, 63% of its average.

Central Israel and Jerusalem are experiencing their driest conditions in 30 years. While the winter of 1998-99 was slightly drier, the difference is minimal: Jerusalem has received 250 millimeters of rain this year, compared to about 200 millimeters in 1998. The city’s long-term annual average is 580 millimeters.

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