A giant forest fire raged out of control for several hours in the Carmel Forests, near Haifa, close to the Damon Prison and Kibbutz Beit Oren. Helicopters were brought in for help in the fire-fighting efforts, which finally succeeded around 8 PM. A second fire, in Rishon Letzion, led to the evacuation of homes in the Nachalat Yehuda section, but was also brought under control.
This is shaping up to be a week of strange weather. Today\'s extra-hot and dry weather, accompanied by a heavy yellowish-brown haze, broke tonight with some sudden rain, and tomorrow will see a significant drop in the temperature. Light and unseasonable rain is forecast for throughout the country tomorrow morning, becoming heavy in the afternoon hours. More light rain and cool weather is expected for Wednesday and possibly Thursday.