Israel’s Mediterranean coastline was expected to see its roughest seas of the summer so far Friday, with waves reaching 2 to 2.5 meters, or about 6½ to 8 feet, and powerful currents posing a danger to swimmers.
The Israel Meteorological Service issued a warning for “high and dangerous seas” through Saturday as strong westerly winds were forecast to develop late Friday afternoon.
Netanya
(Photo: Ido Erez)
The hazardous surf comes as Israel experiences a brief reprieve from its latest heat wave, though extreme heat was expected to persist in several parts of the country.
After morning clouds clear Saturday, skies were forecast to turn sunny, with temperatures and heat stress rising slightly.
Sunday morning was expected to be partly to mostly cloudy, with possible light rain or drizzle along the Mediterranean coastal plain. Skies were forecast to clear later in the day as temperatures fall slightly, reaching levels somewhat below the seasonal average in the mountains and inland areas.
The relief will be short-lived. Forecasters said the heat wave would return in full force by the middle of next week, bringing temperatures above seasonal averages.
Despite Friday’s relative cooling, ultraviolet radiation levels were forecast to remain very high to extreme.
Extreme heat stress was also expected in the Sea of Galilee basin, along the Dead Sea coast and across the Jordan Valley and Arava desert.
Temperatures were forecast to reach 41 Celsius, or about 106 Fahrenheit, in the southern resort city of Eilat and 39 Celsius, or about 102 Fahrenheit, in Ein Gedi near the Dead Sea.