Day 2 of the dust storm: view of Jerusalem Wednesday
Day 2 of the dust storm: view of Jerusalem WednesdayYaniv Nadav/Flash90

The dust cloud that has plagued Israel for the past several days is beginning to dissipate – but pollution will remain high at least through the weekend, forecasters say.

Beginning Thursday afternoon, the skies should begin to lighten, but Israelis should not expect clear skies again until right before Rosh Hashana on Sunday.

The unseasonable dust storm has affected the entire Middle East, striking mainly Syria and Lebanon, where several people have died.

No deaths were reported in Israel, but Magen David Adom stations have been inundated with calls from people complaining of breathing problems. Officials said again Thursday, that elderly Israelis, small children, and individuals with breathing problems should remain indoors.

And preferably indoors in front of an air conditioner, if possible, because the weather will remain hot for the rest of the week.

Temperatures have been running higher than is normal for this time of year; instead of temperatures in the high 20's Centigrade (mid to upper 80's Fahrenheit), all areas of the country have been plagued with temperatures in the low to mid 30s Centigrade (mid 90s Fahrenheit).

Eli Been, MDA chairman, said the organization “will continue to remain on alert and fully staffed during the current situation. “We urge all Israelis to keep an eye out for those who are having trouble breathing or who show weakness, and to alert us as soon as possible in the event of a problem.”

Meanwhile, flights between Eilat and the Tel Aviv area have been cancelled again Thursday, with limited flights set to resume only in the afternoon.