Israel endured its hottest night on record and braced for even more extreme conditions Wednesday as a severe heat wave gripped the country, bringing temperatures as high as 49°C (120°F) in some areas.
The Israel Meteorological Service reported that overnight lows set new national records. In Sodom, the temperature never dropped below 36.6°C (97.9°F), surpassing the previous record of 35.5°C (95.9°F). Eilat and Yotvata also broke records, with lows of 35.8°C (96.4°F) and 33.7°C (92.7°F) respectively. In the Tel Aviv area, overnight temperatures hovered around 30°C (86°F).
Rain in Jerusalem
(Photo: Metanel Rahamim)
Tuesday’s highs shattered other records. Kibbutz Gilgal in the Jordan Valley recorded a “discomfort index” — a combination of heat and humidity — of 38.5°C, with 47.2°C (116.9°F) and 26% humidity. Jerusalem reached 41.3°C (106.3°F) and saw rare tropical rainfall. The Hula Valley hit 46.3°C (115.3°F), and Sde Eliyahu in the Beit She’an Valley recorded 45.7°C (114.3°F). Tel Aviv and Bat Yam were cooler at 31.5°C (88.7°F) but faced 82% humidity. Eilat reached 44°C (111.2°F) with thunderstorms.
Dr. Amir Givati, head of the meteorological service, described the conditions as “a kind of tropical heat wave” unusual for August. “The rain was tropical, like in Thailand. It’s caused when the ground is so hot that cooler evening air meets humidity and condenses,” he said.
Forecast and fire risk
Severe heat is expected across most of Israel Wednesday, with hot, humid conditions along the coast and possible afternoon showers with thunderstorms in the south. Temperatures will gradually drop starting Thursday, with significant relief expected by Saturday.
Authorities warned of heightened wildfire danger. A blaze that erupted Tuesday near Eshtaol Forest spread quickly due to strong winds and dry conditions, forcing firefighting crews to remain on high alert through Friday.
Doctors urged residents to stay indoors. “If you must be outside, stay in the shade, wear light clothing and drink plenty of water,” said Dr. Moshe Sherist of Shamir Medical Center. Dr. Valery Fichman of the Meuhedet health fund warned that seniors, toddlers and pregnant women face the highest risks, with heat stroke possible in as little as 30 minutes of sun exposure.
Life under extreme heat
The Jordan Valley regularly sees August highs between 45°C and 50°C (113°F to 122°F). Farmers there start work as early as 5:30 a.m. to avoid the worst of the heat.
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“In July and August, it’s always hot, but today we measured 47°C,” said Avi Stromza of Moshav Gitit. “On the hottest days, we finish work by early afternoon.”
At Kibbutz Tirat Zvi, resident Yizraela Caspi, 86, recalled summers before air conditioning. “We cooled off by jumping into irrigation reservoirs and slept outside at night. Today, I can’t leave the house in this heat,” she said.