The combination of high temperatures, light rain and heavy haze has created a significant air pollution problem in southern and central Israel Thursday.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection warned that the air pollution is expected to peak in the afternoon and evening hours. The ministry recommends that people with heart and lung ailments, the elderly, children and pregnant women should avoid strenuous exercise until the night. The dust is expected to settle by nighttime.
In Ashkelon and the western Negev, particle concentration was 21 times normal level; in Be'er Sheva, 19 times normal; in Ashdod 16 times normal; in Tel Aviv six times normal and in Jerusalem twice normal.
The haze is expected to settle Thursday and temperatures will cool down considerably, becoming normal for the season. On Shabbat (Saturday) the weather will become warmer and pleasant, and on Sunday temperatures are expected to climb rapidly and weather will be unseasonably warm once again.