Strong winds causing high air pollution in south, officials warn

Sue Surkes is The Times of Israel's environment reporter

A view of Timna Park in the Arava region in southern Israel, January 26, 2021. (Mendy Hechtman/Flash90)
A view of Timna Park in the Arava region in southern Israel, January 26, 2021. (Mendy Hechtman/Flash90)

The Environment and Health ministries warn that strong southwesterly winds are causing high to very high air pollution in the Negev and Arava regions of southern Israel, with medium to high levels in the rest of the country.

They advise high-risk populations, among them the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people suffering from heart and lung problems, to avoid strenuous activity outside.

Healthy people should reduce their activity out of doors.

The winds are blowing sand in from the Sinai peninsula, a statement says.

Realtime air pollution levels can be followed (in Hebrew) on the Environmental Protection Ministry’s website.

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