Massive heat wave to hit Israel this weekend, meteorological service warns

An extreme heat wave is expected to hit Israel this weekend, with some forecasts predicting temperatures as high as 46.5°C (115°F) in the southern city of Eilat and 37°C (99°F) in Tel Aviv on Saturday.

The Israel Meteorological Service (IMS) issued a warning about the expected surge in temperatures across the country, saying there is an extreme risk of fires due to the high heat and relative low humidity.

The IMS forecast a high of of 38°C (101°F) for Jerusalem, 42°C (107°F) for Beersheba, and 33°C (92°F) for Haifa on Saturday.

The northern city of Beit She’an is forecast to reach temperatures as high as 45°C (113°F).

Some of the temperatures, especially in the Jordan Valley, Negev and Arava desert regions, would break 25-year heat records for the month of May.

This past weekend, the Health Ministry issued a warning about expected heat waves, calling on the public — and particularly the elderly and those suffering from chronic conditions — to avoid exposure to heat and sun as much as possible.

In addition, people should drink water frequently and remain in air-conditioned places as much as possible. Nonessential physical exertion should be avoided both outdoors and indoors, the ministry said.

View of a massive wildfire near Latrun, outside of Jerusalem, April 30, 2025. (Yossi Zamir/Flash90)

With the Lag B’Omer holiday coming on Thursday night until Friday evening, a festival usually celebrated with large bonfires, the Fire and Rescue Services last week issued a nationwide ban on lighting fires in most open areas for the holiday for fear of wildfires.

The regulations are similar to those issued in years past, which have also barred bonfires in open areas save for some locations that local authorities, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority or KKL-JNF have designated for the purpose of bonfires.

However, the warnings hold significant weight this year, as they come just weeks after a series of massive fires hit the Jerusalem area, forcing evacuations and burning up to 20,000 dunams (4,900 acres) of area, according to KKL-JNF estimates.