Israel continued to swelter under one of its most intense heatwaves in decades as it reached its peak on Tuesday, with exceptional temperatures expected throughout Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Jordan Valley could climb up to 51°C, approaching the pre-state record of 54°C registered in 1942. Around Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), a high of 49°C was predicted, surpassing the area’s current high of 47°C. Jerusalem was likely to top 40°C, with unusually severe heat also anticipated in the Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights. Tel Aviv was forecast to reach 36°C, while the Dead Sea region may see 47°C.
Due to the Meteorological Service’s forecast and extreme heat conditions that are life-threatening, a complete ban has been imposed on entering all hiking trails in open areas within the nature reserves and national parks in Israel until Saturday, August 16.
However, people are still allowed to hike in early morning hours in the area of popular sites where the duration of the hike is very short, the trail is shaded and there are places for refreshment and drinking water.
Officials cautioned against outdoor activity during the hottest hours and urged the public to prepare for possible health risks such as dehydration and heatstroke.
Owl rescued from inside parked vehicle in east Jerusalem
The extreme weather also brought an unusual rescue.
Police in east Jerusalem discovered an owl locked inside a parked vehicle. The bird, which had been kept illegally, was found in stifling conditions that authorities said could have been fatal. “An animal that belongs in the wild was being held in poor conditions,” police stated, calling the act irresponsible.
The owl was transferred to a wildlife hospital for examination before its eventual release.