Israel is preparing for an intense heat wave expected to arrive on Friday and peak over Saturday and Sunday. The severe weather system will bring dry conditions and strong winds to northern Israel, significantly increasing the risk of widespread wildfires across vulnerable terrain.
Meteorologists forecast that the highest temperatures will concentrate around the Sea of Galilee and the northern valleys. In these areas, mercury levels could climb as high as 47C on Sunday during the peak of the weather pattern.
Israel Meteorological Service Director Dr. Amir Givati warned that such extreme conditions could set a major historical precedent. "If this occurs, it would break the regional temperature record set about 30 years ago, when 46.8C was recorded at Beit Tsaida on August 9, 1998," Givati stated while assessing the upcoming forecast.
Elevated temperatures began mounting on Thursday, creating conditions hotter than seasonal averages. Heat wave conditions settled over inland areas and mountain ridges, while the Coastal Plain experienced hot and muggy weather.
Heavy to extreme heat is anticipated across most regions of the country throughout the weekend. Specific areas under extreme heat advisories include the southern Golan Heights and its slopes, the northern valleys, the Lower Galilee, the Kinneret Valley, the Dead Sea coast, the Jordan Valley, the Arava, the Judean Desert, and the eastern Negev.
Firefighting crews and rescue services across northern districts have elevated alert levels due to the combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong gusts. Authorities urge the public to avoid lighting fires in open spaces and to limit physical activity during peak afternoon hours.
According to meteorological data provided to REUTERS, weather officials continue to monitor atmospheric patterns as dry continental air flows across the region.
