Israel Faces Intense Heatwave With Health and Safety Warnings This Weekend

Israel is bracing for a significant heatwave from Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, August 2, with temperatures rising sharply across most regions, peaking on Friday and Sunday. The Meteorological Service describes this as a typical August heatwave, less severe than last year's extreme event when mountain temperatures reached around 40 degrees Celsius for several days with hot nights.

The Nature and Parks Authority warns of dehydration, heatstroke, and fire risks, enforcing a complete ban on lighting fires in nature reserves and national parks except in designated areas. Due to these conditions, some hiking trails may close. The public is advised to avoid outdoor activities during the heatwave, but if venturing out, to plan routes carefully, carry sufficient water, and choose locations with swimming options near parking.

The Ministry of Health urges vulnerable groups, elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses, to minimize heat and sun exposure, avoid unnecessary physical exertion, stay hydrated, and remain in air-conditioned environments when possible. Outdoor visitors should wear wide-brimmed hats, light clothing, sunscreen, and drink water regularly. Drivers are advised to take frequent breaks to cool down.

Heatstroke poses a serious risk, especially for seniors, young children under four, heart and vascular patients, individuals with obesity or chronic diseases, those on certain medications, and people engaging in intense physical activity. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as high body temperature, red hot skin, severe headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or loss of consciousness should immediately call emergency services and seek medical treatment. Until help arrives, victims should be kept in a cool, shaded area and cooled down; fluids should only be administered intravenously by medical personnel.

The public is reminded to follow all safety guidelines to mitigate health risks and prevent wildfires during this intense heatwave.