Country braces for weeklong heat wave
As temperatures began to climb on Thursday, Israelis braced for a week of scorching weather.
The Israel Meteorological Service has forecast brutally hot temperatures around the country through next Thursday, with heavy heat affecting the Coastal Plain, heavy to extreme heat hitting the Shfela region and particularly extreme conditions in the northern valleys, Negev, Jordan Valley and Arava region.
In addition to sizzling temperatures during the day – surpassing 40°C (104°F) in some areas – the IMS stressed that temperatures will remain high at night, likely not dropping below 26°C. Some of the temperatures forecast for Sunday, a few days into the heat wave, are Tel Aviv, 34°; Lod, 36°; Jerusalem, 37°; Afula, 38°; Tiberias, 42°; Beersheba, 40°; and Eilat, 42°.
Dr. Amos Porat, head of the IMS Climate Department, told The Jerusalem Post a summer heat wave is different from a spring heat wave.
“In the spring, we usually have short-term sharav events since they are caused by a dynamic and rapid weather system,” he said.
The spring sharav – the
Hebrew term for heat wave – is typically caused by a depression moving rapidly along the North African coast and reaching this region with very warm temperatures, Porat explained. However, this type of system typically leaves the area quickly, causing spring heat waves to last only a day or two, he said.
“The summer heat waves are usually caused by a slow, stationary system – like summer heat waves in other parts of the world,” Porat said. Such a summer sharav is occurring right now, influenced by an upper air ridge that forms due to subtropical high pressure, he said.
“It moves very slowly, so it continues for a while,” he said. “An area of high pressure causes the air to descend, and as it does it becomes warmer and drier.”
Although such severe heat waves do not occur every year, Porat stressed that their occurrence is by no means exceptional. Israelis experienced similar events in both 2010 and 2012, with two prolonged heat waves in the former year.
“Of course we will be able to compare this year’s heat wave to the previous ones only next week,” he added.
The ominous forecasts prompted the Israel Nature and Parks Authority already on Wednesday to shut down certain hiking trails over the next week. In addition to all such routes in the Eilat region, the paths closed include Nahal Darga, Nahal Og, Ein Maboa, Ein Kelt and Nahal Prat – except for the Ein Prat section of the latter trail.
“We recommend that you reduce your hiking activities in the coming days, and if you choose to travel anyway, make sure in advance that the route is comfortable and shaded, and make sure to carry the necessary amount of water, bring a hat and clothing suitable for heat wave conditions,” the INPA said.
The INPA warned that further trails may be shut down as needed, and advised travelers to consult the authority’s website or call *3639.
The IMS, meanwhile, warned the public that prolonged exposure to heat can cause health damage to the elderly and the chronically ill. Like the INPA, the IMS encouraged limiting physical activity outdoors and urged people to wear appropriate clothing, drink fluids and rest when such activity is required. Because the heat wave could cause an increased chance of fire flare-ups, the weather service stressed the importance of maintaining fire safety procedures.
Reminding members of the public that animals are also prone to dehydration, the Israel Veterinary Medical Association urged dog and cat owners to ensure that water bowls are constantly available to their pets.
Israel Electric Corporation CEO Ofer Bloch decided that no customers would be disconnected from their electricity supplies due to outstanding debts during the period. The IEC reminded residents to avoid climbing on electricity poles and to stay away from electricity facilities, as well as to follow safety protocols when using appliances.
Despite the comprehensive preparations taken ahead of the heat wave, the company warned that power failures may occur unexpectedly. The IEC stressed that even in the extreme scenario of a glitch in the Tamar gas reservoir, the firm is prepared to use backup systems powered by liquefied natural gas supplies. Customers can contact the IEC through the *103 call center, the company’s Facebook page or its website.
“The power grid responds to extreme changes in weather and sharp fluctuations in consumption, and the company has reinforced its teams accordingly,” Bloch said. •