"Statistics" and Meteorology: Improvement in Rainfall and Rise in Temperatures During 2025

SadaNews - The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics and the General Directorate of Meteorology issued a joint press release today, Monday, on the occasion of World Meteorological Day, themed "Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow".

The statement indicated that the rain gauge stations in the Gaza Strip, which number 12 and are distributed from the north to the south of the strip, have completely ceased operations after being entirely destroyed during the ongoing Israeli aggression since October 7, 2023, leading to the total loss of their data.

As for the West Bank, the data shows a notable improvement in rainfall for the 2025/2026 season compared to last year, with rain covering all governorates, particularly in December and January. The Salfit station recorded the highest rainfall amounting to 628 mm, representing 90% of its average, while Jericho recorded the lowest at 121.2 mm, which represents 73% of its average.

Regarding temperatures, the statement clarified that 2025 witnessed an increase in annual average temperatures across all stations in the West Bank, notably in Jericho, which was affected by strong heat waves during July and August, where the increase over the general average reached 3.3 degrees Celsius. Additionally, minimum temperatures ranged from 0.6 degrees Celsius in Ramallah and Al-Bireh to 5.2 degrees Celsius in Jericho.

The meteorology department indicated that Hebron was the most humid area with an average of 71%, while Jericho was the least humid at 41%. Regarding evaporation, the Jericho station exceeded the general average with 2,811 mm, while Nablus recorded the lowest at 1,679 mm. The Jericho station recorded the highest atmospheric pressure at 1,046.9 millibars, while Hebron recorded the lowest at 904.2 millibars.

The celebration of this day by the World Meteorological Organization affirms the necessity of enhancing monitoring systems to take the necessary precautionary measures to face climate changes and their resulting impacts.