Israel braces for extreme heatwave starting tomorrow

The Israel Meteorological Service (IMS) says that there will be an extreme heatwave starting tomorrow and not subsiding until Tuesday.

Peak temperatures in the Golan, northern valleys, Galilee and Negev are predicted to be 38-42 degrees Celsius (100-107 Fahrenheit), and 35-36 degrees Celsius (95-97 Fahrenheit) in the central mountain area, including Jerusalem, as well as the coastal plane, including Tel Aviv, and the Shfela region.

The most extreme heat is predicted to be up to 47 degrees Celsius (116 Fahrenheit) in the Sea of Galilee and Jordan Valley areas over the weekend.

“This is the most significant and prolonged heatwave of the current season,” IMS Director Dr. Amir Givati tells the Ynet news site. “There will be dry winds and very low humidity, which means we are concerned about fires.”

The Health Ministry calls on the public to avoid sun exposure — particularly the elderly, children, pregnant women and patients with chronic diseases — and to avoid unnecessary physical exertion, be sure to drink water, and be in air-conditioned or well-ventilated places as much as possible.

The ministry urges the public to take care not to leave infants, children, the elderly and those with disabilities in vehicles that are unattended and not air-conditioned.

Animals should also not be left in a vehicle or in a building without water and ventilation.

There is an increased risk of developing heatstroke for infants and toddlers up to the age of four, cardiovascular patients, people suffering from obesity or other chronic diseases, and those who engage in intense physical activity.

Heatstroke symptoms include high body temperature, red and hot skin, severe headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or loss of consciousness. The public is urged to call an emergency center to receive treatment immediately if they experience these symptoms. Until help arrives, the patient should stay in a cool, shaded area and must not be given anything to drink. The medical team will give fluids to the patient intravenously.