An autumn heatwave is expected from the eve of the holiday through its end, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures and possibly even rain, according to the Israel Meteorological Service. The service’s director, Dr. Amir Givati, described the forecast as “Israeli autumn at its best.”
Temperatures were already on the rise Saturday, accompanied by lower humidity, due to the influence of a seasonal system known as the “Red Sea Trough.” According to Givati, “This is a weather system typical of autumn that usually brings hot, dry conditions and easterly winds, felt most strongly in the mountains.”
In the coming days, the trough will strengthen, pushing temperatures higher and creating heatwave conditions. The Meteorological Service issued a warning for Monday, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., of a high risk of wildfires in the northern mountains, northern valleys, Carmel region and central mountains.
The heatwave is expected to peak during the holiday, with Tuesday temperatures nearing 40°C (104°F) in the northern valleys, coastal plain and Sharon region. In the eastern valleys, they could reach 43°C (109°F). With the exception of the coast, dry conditions will prevail. In the mountains, strong easterly winds are expected, especially from morning until midday. The winds may also carry dust from Jordan’s deserts, creating haze over the country’s east and mountain areas.
By Thursday, a seasonal shift is forecast. Temperatures will drop by 8–10°C (15–18°F), reaching only 23–25°C (73–77°F) in the mountains. Meteorologists noted that Israel has not seen such cool weather since June 2.
The break in the heatwave may also bring rainfall along the coast Wednesday night into Thursday. However, forecasters cautioned that the outlook is still uncertain and subject to change.
Forecast highs and lows for tonight and tomorrow:
Jerusalem: 16–32°C (61–90°F)
Tel Aviv: 22–32°C (72–90°F)
Haifa: 23–33°C (73–91°F)
Safed: 18–33°C (64–91°F)
Katzrin: 20–35°C (68–95°F)
Tiberias: 22–39°C (72–102°F)
Nazareth: 21–34°C (70–93°F)
Afula: 20–38°C (68–100°F)
Beit Shean: 21–40°C (70–104°F)
Lod: 20–34°C (68–93°F)
Ashdod: 22–30°C (72–86°F)
Ein Gedi: 23–34°C (73–93°F)
Beersheba: 20–33°C (68–91°F)
Mitzpe Ramon: 17–29°C (63–84°F)
Eilat: 25–37°C (77–99°F)