Israeli Meteorological Service Warns of Intense Heatwave Across Country Next Week

The Israeli Meteorological Service has issued a warning about a significant heatwave expected to hit Israel starting this weekend and continuing through the first half of next week. After a prolonged period of relatively mild temperatures, the weather will become unusually hot, with heavy heat burdens expected in many regions including the mountains, inland areas, and the coastal plain. Temperatures in the lowlands are forecast to reach 35-37 degrees Celsius, while eastern valleys could see highs of 42-44 degrees Celsius, and even mountainous areas will experience temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius.

The heatwave is expected to persist throughout most of next week, with only a slight relief anticipated towards the end of the week. Despite this easing, temperatures will remain above average, especially in the inland and mountainous regions. The Meteorological Service also issued an urgent warning regarding sea conditions, advising the public that the Mediterranean Sea will be dangerous for swimming in the coming 24 hours.

This extreme weather is part of a broader heatwave affecting the Mediterranean and southern Europe, although western and central Europe are expected to see cooler temperatures and rain next week. The Meteorological Service urged the public to take precautions by staying in shaded or air-conditioned areas and drinking plenty of fluids to cope with the intense heat.