Strong Winds Prompt Black Flags and Evacuation at Sea of Galilee Beaches Amid Heatwave

Due to exceptionally strong western winds on Tuesday, authorities raised black flags at several popular Sea of Galilee beaches, including Tzinberi, Berniki, and Shikmim, and evacuated swimmers from the water. This unusual safety measure was decided after a special assessment by the Sea of Galilee Municipal Association and the Israel Police to protect bathers amid hazardous weather conditions. The decision came despite the peak summer season and an ongoing severe heatwave expected to push temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius around the lake and even 46 degrees in the Jordan Valley. The extreme heat has drawn large crowds to the beaches, but the powerful winds posed a significant risk to public safety, prompting immediate action to prevent accidents. Authorities emphasized the importance of prioritizing swimmer safety under these dangerous conditions.