Israel Braces for Multi-Day Extreme Heat Wave

The Israel Meteorological Service (IMS) warns of a four-day heat wave beginning on Friday, with peak temperatures on Saturday and Sunday. Forecasts call for highs of up to 47 °C (116 °F) in the Jordan Valley and around the Sea of Galilee, while the Golan Heights, Galilee Panhandle and the Negev are expected to reach 38-42 °C (100-107 °F). A UV index of 11 is possible along the coast, placing exposure in the “extremely high” category. If the 47 °C reading materializes, it would surpass the regional record of 46.8 °C recorded at Beit Tsaida on August 9 1998.

The Jerusalem Post

IMS director **Dr. The Health Ministry has urged the public—especially the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses—to limit sun exposure, stay hydrated, and remain in air-conditioned or well-ventilated spaces. The Nature and Parks Authority has banned open fires in nature reserves except in designated areas and may close hiking trails. The Israel Electric Corporation has asked citizens to report safety hazards, such as fallen branches near power lines, via its 103 hotline.

Times of Israel

The World Health Organization identifies heat stress as a leading cause of weather-related deaths, capable of aggravating cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental-health conditions. Dr. Khaled Atalla, director of emergency medicine at the Galilee Medical Center, warned that extreme heat can quickly become life-threatening. A study by the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies found that hospital stays lengthen during heat waves, prompting calls for additional staffing and beds. Maya Sadeh, who led the study, noted that Israel traditionally sees hospital-visit peaks in winter rather than summer.

Times of Israel

• “Extreme heatwaves are a real health hazard that can rapidly deteriorate into a life-threatening situation,” — Dr. Khaled Atalla, director, emergency medicine, Galilee Medical Center

Times of Israel

• “We are used to peaks [of hospital visits] in the winter because of influenza, rather than in the summer,” — Maya Sadeh, lead researcher, Taub Center for Social Policy Studies

Times of Israel