Israel’s Heat Wave Peaks Today, With Temperatures Near 116°F

The severe heat wave sweeping Israel reaches its peak today (Sunday), with temperatures not yet recorded this season and considered unusual even by Israeli summer standards. Most parts of the country will face heavy to extreme heat stress, while temperatures in the Jordan Valley and around the Sea of Galilee are expected to reach exceptional levels.<\/p>

In the Sea of Galilee area, temperatures are expected to reach about 45°C (113°F), while in the Jordan Valley they could climb as high as 46.5°C (115.7°F). Inland areas will also be especially hot and dry, with temperatures nearing 40°C (104°F). Along the coast, by contrast, temperatures will remain around 30°C (86°F), but high humidity—between 70% and 75%—is expected to create heavy to extreme heat stress and significantly intensify the stifling feeling.<\/p>

Forecast temperatures across the country: 41°C (105.8°F) in Kiryat Shmona, 39°C (102.2°F) in Katzrin, 35°C (95°F) in Safed, 41°C (105.8°F) in Tiberias, 36°C (96.8°F) in Nazareth, 31°C (87.8°F) in Haifa, 33°C (91.4°F) in Tel Aviv, 37°C (98.6°F) in Modi’in, 35°C (95°F) in Jerusalem, 36°C (96.8°F) in Ariel, 31°C (87.8°F) in Ashkelon, 41°C (105.8°F) in Ein Gedi, 38°C (100.4°F) in Beersheba, 37°C (98.6°F) in Arad, 35°C (95°F) in Mitzpe Ramon, and 43°C (109.4°F) in Eilat.<\/p>

The current heat wave follows an especially hot weekend. The highest temperature recorded was in Gilgal in the Jordan Valley, where 45.2°C (113.4°F) was measured. Along the coastal plain, however, no particularly unusual readings were recorded, and temperatures stayed around 30°C (86°F) thanks to the proximity to the sea, although heat stress in the region was severe because of the high humidity.<\/p>

According to the forecast, some relief is expected as early as tomorrow. Temperatures will decline slightly, mainly in the hills and inland areas, but it will remain hotter than usual to extremely hot in those regions, while the coastal plain will remain humid. Heavy to extreme heat stress is expected to continue across the country, and winds are also expected to strengthen from the afternoon onward, especially in the hills and inland areas.<\/p>

On Tuesday, the cooling trend will continue, with another drop in temperatures, mainly in the hills and inland areas. Even so, the weather will remain hotter than usual for the season, and the coastal plain will be humid. Heavy heat stress is also expected in most parts of the country.<\/p>

Alongside the intense heat, the condition of the Sea of Galilee continues to raise concern. As of this morning, the Sea of Galilee’s water level stands at minus 212.995 meters, just 0.005 meters above the lower red line. That means the lake is still more than four meters below full capacity.<\/p>