Extreme Heat Wave Hits Israel: Health Ministry Issues Public Warning

The Meteorological Service warned Thursday afternoon of a severe to extreme heat wave affecting Israel, which will peak from Friday through Sunday. These are expected to be the hottest days of the current summer, with temperatures reaching 46–48 degrees Celsius in the Jordan Valley and around the Kinneret, 38–42 degrees in the Galilee and the Negev, 35–36 degrees in the mountains and along the coastal plain, and approximately 35–36 degrees in the lowlands.

In light of the severe heat wave expected in the coming days, the Health Ministry is calling on the general public—especially older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses—to take care to avoid exposure to heat and sun as much as possible, as well as any unnecessary physical exertion.

It was also reported that the following groups face an increased risk of heatstroke: older adults, babies and toddlers up to age four, people with heart and blood vessel conditions, people living with obesity or other chronic illnesses, people suffering from an acute illness, and others.

The ministry emphasized that if symptoms such as high body temperature, red and hot skin, a severe headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or reduced consciousness appear, people should call Magen David Adom's emergency hotline and receive immediate treatment. Most importantly, in cases of heatstroke, the affected person must not be given anything to drink.

Dr. Rafael Strugo, Magen David Adom's deputy director general for medicine and blood services, added: "The heat stress and high temperatures expected across the country over the weekend and through Monday require the public to be cautious and alert in order to avoid dehydration and heatstroke. I recommend drinking plenty of fluids and not spending an excessive amount of time under direct sunlight."

"Special attention should be given to babies and toddlers we transport in vehicles, so they are not left in a closed car, not even for a minute. It is also important to stay in regular contact with older family members to make sure they are not suffering from the effects of the heat. In the event of heatstroke or dehydration, which may be expressed through confusion, dizziness, and changes in consciousness, the person should be moved to a shaded place and Magen David Adom's 101 emergency hotline should be called."