Unseasonably high temperatures and heavy air pollution continued across Israel on Monday, marking a fourth consecutive day of elevated pollution levels as parts of the country recorded heat not seen in decades.
Temperatures climbed well above seasonal averages, with several areas reporting their highest readings in 33 years. Kibbutz Nachshon registered 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 Fahrenheit), while Netiv HaLamed-Heh recorded 32.2 C (90 F).
At the long-running Beit Jamal station in the Judean foothills, which has recorded continuous measurements since 1920, the temperature reached 31.7 C (89 F) — an all-time record for mid-February.
The highest temperature nationwide was measured at Kibbutz Gat in the southern lowlands, where the mercury hit 32.9 C (91 F), the highest there in 16 years.
The Environmental Protection Ministry said air pollution remained high to very high throughout the country due to elevated levels of respirable particles carried by dust. The pollution was linked to southeasterly winds transporting dust from Jordan.
Poor air quality is expected to persist in the coming days. The ministry advised sensitive populations — including people with heart or lung conditions, the elderly, children and pregnant women — to avoid strenuous outdoor activity. The general public was urged to limit intense physical activity outdoors.
Overnight, skies are expected to be partly to mostly cloudy at high and mid-level altitudes, with strengthening winds and possible haze. Toward morning, reduced visibility is possible in parts of the southern coastal plain and northern Negev.
On Tuesday, temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with a chance of light drizzle or localized rain in northern and central areas. Conditions are expected to remain partly to mostly cloudy, with possible haze developing in the afternoon.
Local rain is expected Wednesday, mainly in northern areas, with stronger winds and hazy conditions in central and southern regions. Temperatures are not expected to change significantly. A slight drop in temperatures is expected Thursday, with skies clearing to partly cloudy.