Wednesday’s forecast calls for heavy heat across the country, steamy and humid along the coast, and possible afternoon thunderstorms in the south, with haze in some areas. By Pesach Benson, TPSIsrael is sweltering under a record-breaking heat wave on Wednesday morning that has shattered decades-old temperature records and brought unprecedented overnight heat.According to the Israel Meteorological Service, Tuesday night was the hottest since measurements began, with Mount Sodom setting a new national record for minimum temperature at 36.6°C, surpassing the previous 35.5°C.Eilat and Yotvata also broke records, registering 35.8°C and 33.7°C, respectively, while the Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area endured a sticky night of around 30°C with 82% humidity.The heat wave is expected to peak today, with interior regions, including the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee area, forecast to approach 50°C.“The northern valleys and Jordan Valley are likely to see their hottest day since 1942,” the Meteorological Service said.Jerusalem had already reached 35°C early in the morning, with temperatures in southern areas near the Dead Sea climbing to 37°C.On Tuesday, Jerusalem hit 41.3°C and was briefly cooled by rare tropical rain, while the Hula Valley recorded 46.3°C.In Beit Shean, the thermometer read 45.7°C, and Kibbutz Gilgal posted 38.5 “discomfort units” — the highest ever recorded — combining 47.2°C heat with 26% humidity.Coastal cities like Tel Aviv and Bat Yam saw slightly lower readings of 31.5°C thanks to sea breezes, but humidity compounded the heat stress. Eilat sweltered at 44°C, accompanied by thunderstorms.Wednesday’s forecast calls for heavy heat across the country, steamy and humid along the coast, and possible afternoon thunderstorms in the south, with haze in some areas.Localized rain and storms could persist into the night.The Meteorological Service issued a nationwide red warning for extreme heat stress, warning of risks including dehydration, heatstroke, wildfires, harm to sensitive populations and animals, transportation disruptions, and possible electricity failures.Authorities are urging the public to take precautions: avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during peak heat, stay in shaded or air-conditioned spaces, drink plenty of water, and wear light clothing and hats.People are warned never to leave children or pets in closed vehicles and to check in on elderly neighbors and relatives.“These are exceptional and dangerous conditions,” forecasters cautioned, adding that other unlisted hazards may arise depending on local weather.While slight relief is expected starting Thursday, temperatures will remain well above normal. Friday should bring a further dip, mainly in the mountains and inland, but heat loads will still be heavy to extreme. A more significant cooldown is forecast for Saturday.Today’s expected highs and lows include:Jerusalem 29–40°C, Tel Aviv 27–35°C, Haifa 26–34°C, Safed 29–41°C, Katzrin 28–44°C, Tiberias 30–41°C, Nazareth 26–38°C, Afula 26–41°C, Beit Shean 29–47°C, Lod 26–38°C, Ashdod 28–33°C, Ein Gedi 34–45°C, Beer-Sheva 26–41°C, Mitzpe Ramon 29–40°C, and Eilat 34–49°C.The Meteorological Service advises continued vigilance until the heat wave passes.The post Record-breaking overnight heat grips Israel, more extreme temperatures ahead appeared first on World Israel News.