A heat wave that began over the weekend is expected to intensify in the coming days, with meteorologists warning that inland and eastern parts of Israel could see their highest temperatures in more than 80 years.
On Sunday, temperatures were already above seasonal averages, with hot, dry weather in the mountains and inland areas and humid conditions along the coast. Heavy to extreme heat stress is forecast nationwide, and localized rain is possible in the east during the afternoon.
Temperatures will rise further Monday, bringing extreme heat to all regions. In the mountains and the east, conditions are expected to be particularly severe, according to Dr. Amir Givati, head of the Israel Meteorological Service. Afternoon showers may again develop in eastern areas.
By Tuesday and Wednesday, long-standing records in inland valleys and the Jordan Valley are expected to fall. Most residents along the Mediterranean coast and in the lowlands will be spared the most extreme heat due to the sea’s moderating influence. But in the valleys surrounding the Sea of Galilee, the Beit She’an Valley and the Jordan Valley, forecasters expect highs to surpass records set in 1942.
Temperatures in the eastern valleys and near the Sea of Galilee could reach 48–49 degrees Celsius (118–120 Fahrenheit), exceeding the current record of 47°C (116.6°F). The Jordan Valley may see 50–51°C (122–124°F), hotter than any reading there since the historic 54°C (129.2°F) recorded at Kibbutz Tirat Zvi on June 21, 1942. Jerusalem and Safed are expected to reach 41°C (105.8°F), with possible records in the Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights.
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The unusual weather pattern is also expected to bring tropical humidity from the south. From Monday through Wednesday afternoons, there is a significant chance of thunderstorms and heavy rain in the central and southern Negev Desert. Strong wind gusts, possibly reaching 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph), are also forecast, including in the Eilat area. Flash flood warnings are in effect for streams in the Negev during this period, with further alerts to be issued.
Forecast high and low temperatures for Sunday (Celsius):
Jerusalem 25–36, Tel Aviv 27–32, Haifa 26–32, Safed 25–38, Katzrin 26–41, Tiberias 29–41, Nazareth 25–34, Afula 25–39, Beit She’an 27–43, Lod 26–36, Ashdod 27–32, Ein Gedi 30–42, Beersheba 25–38, Mitzpe Ramon 26–35, Eilat 33–45.