Preparing for the extreme heatwave: "In the shallow water of the Sea of Galilee it feels like entering a soup"

Dr. Amir Givati, head of the Meteorological Service, addressed the heatwave expected to peak at the beginning of next week. "Until now, the summer of 2026 has not been truly terrible, but already today we will feel a rise in temperatures," said Dr. Givati in an interview with the ynet studio. "Shabbat will be scorching, and at the beginning of next week we are talking about 47 degrees in the Sea of Galilee area. This is the most significant and prolonged heatwave of the current season." The Meteorological Service has warned of heavy to extreme heat loads in all parts of the country.

Tomorrow, the weather will become hotter than usual, with heatwave conditions in the mountains and the interior, and humidity on the coastal plain. On Saturday, a further increase in heat loads will be felt, which will be heavy to extreme across the country, and this trend will continue through Sunday. "This time it will come from the north, therefore the Galilee and Golan areas will be scorching," said Dr. Givati. "There will also be a dry wind and very low humidity, which raises concerns about fires. Every cigarette butt thrown away is dangerous as soon as a strong wind starts. One must be very careful with outdoor activities and not leave anything burning. Every small spark can turn into a big fire."

Regarding recommendations for those engaging in outdoor activities, he advised: "One must avoid activities during the hours of heavy heat. In August last year, there was a similar heatwave, and there were quite a few cases of heatstroke. This is an event of truly extreme heat. Those in Gush Dan may not fully understand, but in the northern region during the noon hours, it will be very hot and dry." Temperatures are expected to drop only on Tuesday.

Hagai Peleg, manager of the rescue station at the Ein Gev holiday village beach, said: "We are starting to feel the heat; I assume that towards noon we will reach 43 degrees here easily, if not more. In the shallow water area, it feels like entering a soup. If you go a little deeper, you feel some coolness. The option here is either to get into the water or stay in air conditioning. Being outside during the hot hours is simply terrible."

Peleg added: "I don't think people will give up on coming here; we are at full capacity. Since the beginning of April, when we opened the season, the crowd has not stopped flowing. The area is full of travelers, and the heat does not bother them." His message to visitors: "There is no need to be afraid. During the hot hours, it is worth taking breaks. Do not stay in the water for a long time, wear a hat, use sunscreen, wear a long-sleeved shirt, drink plenty of fluids, and enjoy. It is very important to arrive only at declared beaches with rescue services. We are here to keep you safe so that you enjoy and return home safely."

On how the lifeguards manage, he noted: "First of all, our towers are air-conditioned. We are not in the sun most of the day. We also go down to walk in the water to refresh ourselves. Every morning I must swim to feel the water. After many years of working here, the water is an inseparable part of us."

Forecast temperatures for today and tonight: Jerusalem 33-21, Tel Aviv 32-25, Haifa 31-24, Safed 35-23, Katzrin 39-22, Tiberias 39-24, Nazareth 37-23, Afula 37-23, Beit She'an 41-27, Lod 34-23, Ashdod 32-24, Ein Gedi 40-29, Beersheba 37-22, Mitzpe Ramon 36-24, Eilat 42-30.