Intense Heatwave to Peak Over Israel This Weekend with Extreme Temperatures Expected

A severe heatwave is set to intensify across Israel throughout the weekend and into early next week. On Friday, the weather will be mostly clear, with temperatures ranging from hot to scorching in the mountainous and inland areas, while the coastal plain will experience milder conditions. Heavy to extreme heat stress will be felt across most regions.

Saturday will bring further intensification of the heat, with continued hot to scorching conditions inland and mild weather along the coast. Extreme heat stress is expected nationwide. By Sunday, the heatwave is forecast to reach its peak, with a slight temperature increase and scorching conditions prevailing in most mountainous and inland areas, while the coastal plain remains mild. Winds will strengthen in the afternoon, particularly in mountainous zones, maintaining heavy to extreme heat stress across the country.

The Israeli Meteorological Service has issued multiple heat alerts ahead of the weekend. Red alerts are in effect for the Beit She'an Valley, Hula Valley, Kinneret Basin, Jordan Valley, Dead Sea areas, and northern Arava. Orange alerts cover parts of the Galilee, Jezreel Valley, Negev, Arava, and Eilat Bay, while yellow alerts apply to the coastal plain, Shephelah, central mountains, Samaria, and other regions.

Temperature forecasts for Friday include Jerusalem at 22-33°C, Tel Aviv at 25-31°C, Haifa at 23-31°C, Kiryat Shmona and Tiberias reaching highs of 39°C, and Eilat peaking at 41°C. The Kinneret area is crowded with visitors taking advantage of the holiday weekend despite the intense heat.

Residents are advised to prepare for the extreme heat conditions and follow safety guidelines as the heatwave continues to worsen before any relief arrives.