The heatwave currently affecting Israel is expected to reach potentially record-breaking temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Israel Meteorological Service (IMS) warned on Sunday.
Temperatures are expected to reach up to 49° Celsius in the area surrounding the Sea of Galilee (where the current record temperature is 47°C), and up to 51°C in the Jordan Valley, the highest since the 54°C recorded in 1942, before the State of Israel was founded.
Temperatures in Jerusalem are also expected to reach over 40°C, with record highs also expected to be reached in the Upper Galilee and Golan Heights regions.
Temperatures will rise in the coastal plains and lowlands of the country, including Tel Aviv and the surrounding areas, but these are unlikely to reach record levels due to the moderating influence of the Mediterranean Sea, the IMS noted.
In addition, IMS forecasts tropical levels of humidity in southern Israel, indicating that there is a risk of thunderstorms and heavy rain, including strong wind gusts of 100 km/h, in the Negev regions, including Eilat, which may pose a risk of flash floods throughout southern Israel.
Hiking trails closed due to heatwave health risks
Due to the heatwave, authorities announced that hiking trails in the northern Judean Desert, Wadi Kelt, and Jordan Valley streams will be closed until at least Tuesday.
Maariv contributed to this report.