A major heat wave is expected to begin Friday and peak on Saturday and Sunday, bringing heavy to extreme heat across Israel, dry conditions, strong winds and an increased risk of wildfires, the Israel Meteorological Service said Wednesday.
The hottest conditions are expected around the Sea of Galilee and in the northern valleys, where temperatures could reach 47°C (117°F) on Sunday.
(Photo: AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
The Meteorological Service said that if the forecast is realized, the region could record its highest temperature in 30 years.
Temperatures are already expected to rise slightly Thursday, with conditions becoming hotter than usual to extremely hot in the mountains and inland areas, while the coastal plain will remain hot and humid. Heavy to extreme heat stress is expected across most of the country.
The Meteorological Service had warned Tuesday that a significant heat wave was approaching and would continue through the middle of next week. Its peak was initially forecast from Friday through Sunday, which are expected to be the hottest days of the summer so far.
During the heat wave, heavy to extreme heat stress is expected throughout Israel. Temperatures in the Jordan Valley are forecast to reach 46°C (115°F), while the Arava and Sea of Galilee regions could see 44°C to 45°C (111°F to 113°F).
The Golan Heights, northern valleys, Galilee and Negev are expected to reach between 38°C and 42°C (100°F to 108°F), while temperatures in the mountains, coastal region and Shfela are forecast at 35°C to 36°C (95°F to 97°F).
The heat wave is also expected to bring dry conditions and strong winds in northern Israel, increasing the danger of fires.
Forecast temperatures for Wednesday night and Thursday are:
Jerusalem: 18°C to 34°C (64°F to 93°F)
Tel Aviv: 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F)
Haifa: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
Safed: 19°C to 35°C (66°F to 95°F)
Katzrin: 21°C to 39°C (70°F to 102°F)
Tiberias: 23°C to 40°C (73°F to 104°F)
Nazareth: 23°C to 37°C (73°F to 99°F)
Afula: 22°C to 37°C (72°F to 99°F)
Beit She’an: 26°C to 41°C (79°F to 106°F)
Lod: 23°C to 34°C (73°F to 93°F)
Ashdod: 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F)
Ein Gedi: 27°C to 40°C (81°F to 104°F)
Be'er Sheva: 20°C to 37°C (68°F to 99°F)
Mitzpe Ramon: 21°C to 36°C (70°F to 97°F)
Eilat: 28°C to 43°C (82°F to 109°F)