Israel braces for its hottest day of spring as weather forecasts show an extreme heatwave will be felt on Friday, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) throughout the country.
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In some areas, the heat index will even reach a dangerous 47° C (116° F).
Later on Friday, strong winds are forecast mainly in the south, and rains could fall in central Israel.
On Saturday, the heatwave is expected to break, with temperatures remaining higher than seasonal averages. Early next week, the heatwave will recede further and temperatures will return to normal levels.
The Nature and Parks Authority announced that following the expected heatwave, which could lead to fires breaking out, some nature reserves will be closed down. The authority added that reserves in which plentiful shade and water can be found will remain open to the public over the weekend.
On Sunday, the end of an earlier heatwave caused light showers in central regions and heavy rains in the south prompting authorities to issue flash flood warnings.
Mitzpe Ramon, situated at the center of the arid Negev desert, received more than 10% of its average annual rainfall.
Additionally, substantial showers were observed throughout the Arava region and in the resort town of Eilat. Thai foreign laborers working in the date palm plantations of Mosahv Hazeva in the northern Arava compared the weather to that of their home country. More than 120 fires broke out during the weekend caused by the heat wave.