For the first time in Israel’s history, electricity consumption surpassed 17,000 megawatts on Wednesday, as a severe heatwave pushed the country’s heat index — the combination of temperature and humidity — to unprecedented levels.
According to Noga (Israel Independent System Operator), national power demand peaked at 17,287 MW at 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday — breaking records for the fourth consecutive day. Just one day earlier, usage exceeded 16,000 MW for the first time.
Temperatures continued to soar through the afternoon. The Israel Meteorological Service reported that Eilat reached 48.8°C (119.8°F) at 4 p.m., just shy of the city’s all-time record of 48.9°C (120.0°F), set in September 2020. The Eilat municipality measured an unofficial 51.1°C (124.0°F) at a beach lifeguard station.
In Kibbutz Gilgal in the central Jordan Valley, forecasters had predicted the hottest temperature in Israel’s history. The mercury hit 48.4°C (119.1°F) there, with 25% humidity, producing a record heat index of 39°C (102.2°F) — breaking the previous national record of 38.5°C (101.3°F), set just a day earlier at the same location.
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Jerusalem endured 40°C (104.0°F) for several hours; Tel Aviv saw 33°C (91.4°F) with 74% humidity. Elsewhere, 47°C (116.6°F) was recorded in the Arava, 46°C (114.8°F) in the Upper Galilee and southern Sea of Galilee region, and 41.4°C (106.5°F) in Safed — surpassing its previous high of 40.6°C (105.1°F). New records were also set in Kibbutz Eilon in the western Galilee (42.7°C / 108.9°F), Ayelet Hashahar and Kfar Blum in the Hula Valley (46.8°C / 116.2°F), Ma’ale Adumim (44°C / 111.2°F), and Arad (43.8°C / 110.8°F).
Israel Railways imposed an 80 km/h speed limit on certain routes due to rail expansion caused by extreme heat, leading to delays. Officials stressed that this is a standard safety measure for exceptionally hot days, with constant track monitoring in place.
Forecast:
Tonight, scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible, mainly in the south. The weather will remain hotter than average, with heavy to extreme heat stress in the east. A slight drop in temperatures is expected on Friday, though severe heat will persist inland and in the mountains, with continued humidity along the coast.
On Saturday, another drop in temperatures will bring seasonal norms and a significant easing of heat stress. Sunday will be partly cloudy to clear, with no major temperature changes.
Wildfire warnings:
The Israel Meteorological Service issued high fire risk alerts for northern and eastern regions, including the Golan Heights, Upper Galilee, Hula Valley, and Carmel, valid through late Thursday evening. Additional “red” extreme heat and fire warnings are in place for most of the country on Friday.
Forecast highs/lows (°C/°F):
Jerusalem 37–29 (98.6–84.2), Tel Aviv 34–27 (93.2–80.6), Haifa 33–26 (91.4–78.8), Safed 39–29 (102.2–84.2), Katzrin 42–28 (107.6–82.4), Tiberias 43–30 (109.4–86.0), Nazareth 37–26 (98.6–78.8), Afula 42–26 (107.6–78.8), Beit She’an 44–29 (111.2–84.2), Lod 37–26 (98.6–78.8), Ashdod 32–28 (89.6–82.4), Ein Gedi 44–34 (111.2–93.2), Beersheba 39–26 (102.2–78.8), Mitzpe Ramon 37–29 (98.6–84.2), Eilat 47–34 (116.6–93.2).