Israeli Meteorological Service Warns of Dangerous High Waves and Rip Currents on Mediterranean Beaches This Weekend

The Israeli Meteorological Service issued a yellow warning on Friday for high and hazardous sea conditions along the Mediterranean coast over the weekend due to storm Barbara. Wave heights are expected to reach up to 1.4 meters in some areas, with some beaches already measuring waves of about 1.1 meters, gradually increasing. The sea is forecast to calm only by Sunday.

Authorities caution swimmers about the serious risks posed by strong rip currents that can pull bathers out to sea, as well as shifting breaking waves and powerful whirlpools that may surprise even experienced swimmers. The public is urged to follow lifeguards' instructions, swim only at designated and supervised beaches, and avoid entering the water at unsupervised or unfamiliar locations. Lifeguards have reduced swimming zones at some beaches to keep bathers away from dangerous currents and waves.

The weather forecast for Saturday morning is partly cloudy, clearing later with temperatures typical for the season. Sunday will be partly cloudy in the morning, becoming clear later, with little temperature change. Monday and Tuesday will see partly cloudy skies, with a slight temperature drop expected on Tuesday morning, especially along the coastal plain.

Temperature highs and lows across major cities include Jerusalem (18-28°C), Tel Aviv (25-30°C), Haifa (25-30°C), and Eilat (27-40°C). Extreme heat is expected in the Dead Sea area, Jordan Valley, and Arava, with heavy heat in southern Golan, northern valleys, and parts of the Negev, and moderate heat in northern Golan, western Galilee, Carmel, and central highlands.