Israel Braces for Autumn Heatwave With Temperatures Set to Soar

Israel is set to experience a significant rise in temperatures starting Wednesday, leading into an autumn heatwave expected over the weekend. While Wednesday will see a slight increase, with temperatures returning to seasonal norms in most areas, coastal regions may still experience localized morning rain and partial cloud cover. The Mediterranean Sea will be moderate to wavy, with waves between 30 and 80 centimeters. Thursday will bring further temperature increases and decreased humidity, particularly in mountainous and inland areas, making it hotter than usual. Strong northerly winds are expected along the coast from the afternoon, with clear to partly cloudy skies. Friday is forecast to be significantly hotter than average, reaching heatwave conditions across much of the country, with an intensified heat load in the eastern valleys. Strong easterly winds are predicted for the north and central mountains in the morning, shifting to strong northerly winds along the coast in the afternoon. Saturday will generally be clear, with a temperature drop expected in the coastal plain, the lowlands, and the northern Negev, though it will remain hotter than average in most regions. The Israel Meteorological Service anticipates Friday temperatures to reach 38 degrees Celsius in the Jordan Valley, 35-37 in the lowlands, and over 30 in the mountains and along the coast. The heatwave is expected to be accompanied by dry conditions due to low relative humidity and strong easterly winds with gusts of 40-50 km/h, especially on Friday morning. Dust and reduced visibility are forecast for Thursday due to strengthening winds. No significant rainfall is expected in the coming week, with a change anticipated only in late October or early November.