Heatwave to Grip Israel on Yom Kippur, Raising Dehydration Risks

Israel is bracing for a significant heatwave coinciding with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, on Monday, September 21st. The anticipated rise in temperatures, following a weekend of rain and cooler weather, could complicate the 25-hour fast observed by religious Jews and increase the risk of dehydration, particularly for the elderly and those spending extended periods outdoors. The Israeli Meteorological Service, as reported by Maariv, forecasts that temperatures will begin climbing on Sunday, September 20th, returning to seasonal norms before continuing to rise on Monday, especially in mountainous and inland areas. Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 36 degrees Celsius (97 Fahrenheit) in Beit She'an and Eilat, 34 degrees Celsius (93 Fahrenheit) in Tiberias and Ein Gedi, and 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) along the coast, where high humidity up to 65% will make the heat feel more intense. Jerusalem and Haifa will see highs around 29 degrees Celsius (84 Fahrenheit). This heatwave follows a weekend of unusually heavy rainfall in northern Israel, with Metula receiving 24.5 mm, significantly exceeding the average September rainfall of 3-5 mm. Lighter rains were also recorded in central and southern regions. The forecast indicates a gradual cooling trend starting Tuesday, September 22nd, with temperatures expected to become more comfortable by the eve of Sukkot.