Israel Faces Record Heatwave with 43.3°C in Sodom and Rising Temperatures Expected

A severe heatwave continues to affect all regions of Israel, with temperatures rising by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius compared to previous days. The highest temperature recorded was 43.3°C in Sodom. In Jerusalem and the mountainous areas, temperatures reached 33°C, while the lowlands experienced 35°C. Coastal areas saw increased humidity levels, with Ashkelon at 73%, Nahariya at 72%, and Tel Aviv at 70%, where temperatures hit 30°C, creating intense heat stress.

Amid the heatwave, a large fire broke out in the settlement of Havat Gilad in the West Bank, destroying 13 homes and injuring two firefighters. Additionally, three fires erupted in northern Israel near Shamsheet, Kfar Vradim, and Shibli, all of which were brought under control. On the same day, a man drowned at a beach in Hadera, and a woman was pulled from the water in critical condition in Bat Yam.

The weather forecast predicts that July will remain hotter than usual, with Monday expected to be the hottest day of the week. Temperatures are anticipated to rise by another one to two degrees, increasing heat stress further. A brief relief is expected late next week, but no significant change is forecasted. Long-term forecasts indicate the second half of July will continue to experience above-average temperatures, with some days significantly hotter.

Temperatures for tonight and tomorrow include Jerusalem at 20-33°C, Tel Aviv 24-32°C, Haifa 22-33°C, Tiberias 23-38°C, Beersheba 22-37°C, and Eilat 31-41°C. Slight temperature drops are expected on Monday and Tuesday, but the heatwave will persist, especially along the coastal plain.