Sea of Galilee Hits 45°C as Water Level Drops to Critical Low Amid Heatwave

On August 1, 2026, the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret) experienced the highest temperatures of the summer, reaching 45 degrees Celsius at its beaches. The Kinneret Cities Association warned visitors to stay hydrated, seek shade, and protect gas cylinders from direct sunlight to prevent fire hazards due to the intense heat.

Alongside the heatwave, the lake's water level was measured at 213 meters below sea level, a threshold historically considered the "lower red line." This level serves as a warning sign for the lake's condition, although the water level has dropped even lower in the past. Aviaad Ben Hor, manager of Amnon Beach, noted the daily retreat of the water line, requiring rescue huts and jet ski cages to be moved further into the lake. He expressed hope that the upcoming rainy winter would replenish the water levels as it has done in previous years.

Historically, the official lower red line was set at 212 meters below sea level, based on engineering limits for the Mekorot pumping station at Sapir. Due to prolonged droughts in the late 1980s, the level dropped close to this mark, prompting authorities to lower the red line to 213 meters to maintain water supply. In late summer 2001, the lake reached a historic low of 214.87 meters below sea level, leading to the establishment of a "black line" at 214 meters, beyond which pumping is banned to prevent ecological damage and harm to tourism.

Despite the extreme heat, visitors continue to flock to Amnon Beach. Ben Hor, with a decade of experience managing the beach, remarked that such high temperatures are not unusual during summer, though they can be challenging for tourists. To safeguard public health, a loudspeaker system reminds swimmers every 30 minutes to drink water and stay in shaded areas. Drinking fountains with cold water are also available for visitors' convenience.