Israel is set to experience a severe heat wave beginning Thursday, bringing unusually high temperatures and abnormal humidity across the country — including regions typically spared from such conditions.
The heat wave is expected to last several days, with severe to extreme heat prevailing nationwide through the weekend. Temperatures are forecast to approach 40°C in many areas, including the mountains and eastern regions. This time, the heat will be accompanied by elevated humidity levels — not just along the coast, but also inland and at higher elevations, where such conditions are uncommon.
Forecasters say the heat could intensify further by midweek. If temperatures rise as expected, mountain regions may exceed 40°C for the first time since 2020. Still, this event is not considered historic, and it does not break national heat records.
In a rare turn for August, forecasters also predict possible localized rainfall on Saturday and Sunday, particularly in the southern Negev and near the Israel-Egypt border. These showers could be heavy and may include thunderstorms.