Forecast: Scorching temperatures sweep Israel on last day of summer break

Israel closes out the summer holiday under a dome of heat this Sunday, with the most punishing conditions locked over the south and the interior. Temperatures in Eilat are expected to surge to around 39°C (102°F), while the Dead Sea basin, Jordan Valley and stretches of the southern Negev brace for severe heat stress. Along the coast and across central districts, it will be somewhat milder, with skies ranging from partly cloudy to clear and humidity adding to the discomfort.

Who will feel it most

• Eilat: Afternoon highs near 39°C (102°F) under blazing sun. The dry desert air accelerates dehydration, especially for beachgoers and hikers.
• Dead Sea and Jordan Valley: Oppressive heat at low elevation, with light winds and a strong sun angle making it feel even hotter.
• Southern Negev: Severe heat paired with very low humidity. Hot, gusty winds can rapidly sap moisture and increase wildfire risk in dry scrub.
• Central hills and coastal plain: A notch cooler thanks to onshore breezes, but stickier. The heat index may still feel taxing during the afternoon.

Skies and sea conditions

Expect a familiar late-summer sky: from patchy clouds in the morning to mostly clear by midday in many areas. On the Mediterranean, waves are forecast at roughly 30–80 centimeters (12–31 inches). While not stormy, the chop can challenge inexperienced swimmers and small craft, and shifting currents may strengthen around midday.

How to cope with the heat today

• Hydrate early and often; avoid alcohol and very sugary drinks, which worsen dehydration.
• Limit strenuous activity between late morning and late afternoon; schedule hikes or exercise for dawn or evening.
• Seek shade, wear a brimmed hat and light, breathable clothing; reapply broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently.
• Check on older adults, infants and people with chronic conditions; heat illness can escalate quickly.
• Never leave children or pets in vehicles, even for a short time.
• Hikers in desert canyons should carry ample water and know exit routes; heat stress can impair judgment.
• Handle open flames with care; dry vegetation can ignite easily under hot, gusty conditions.

Why late-summer heat is sticking around

Late August and early September often deliver some of the year’s fiercest heat in Israel, when lingering high pressure traps warm air and the land radiates heat accumulated over months. In recent years, the eastern Mediterranean has been trending toward more frequent and longer-lasting hot spells, with nights that cool less than they used to. Urban areas add an extra layer of warmth as concrete and asphalt store daytime heat and release it slowly after sunset.

While a single hot day doesn’t define a climate trajectory, the persistence of such extremes fits with broader global patterns: warming seas, drier soils in many interior zones and more intense heat episodes. These ingredients combine to push already hot regions toward even more hazardous conditions during seasonal peaks.

What’s next

Overnight warmth will linger, especially in inland valleys and the south, offering limited relief. A modest sea breeze should temper coastal heat at times on Monday, but the interior is likely to remain hot. If you’re traveling home from holiday spots, plan for extra water, shaded breaks and attention to signs of heat exhaustion—headache, dizziness, nausea and rapid heartbeat.

As the school year resumes, this brief but fierce burst of heat is a reminder that preparedness matters: simple steps—hydration, shade, and timing activities wisely—can make the difference between a taxing day and a dangerous one.