Middle East: Heatwave forecast to persist across much of the region through at least Aug. 23 /update 1

Forecast models indicate that high temperatures will persist across Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestinian Territories through at least Aug. 23. As of early Aug. 20, the Israel Meteorological Service has issued orange (the middle level on a three-tier scale) heavy heat stress warnings across eastern Israel. The Jordan Meteorological Department has warned of high temperatures in Badia, Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and Aqaba regions at peak hours. The Lebanon Meteorological Service has warned that higher than average temperatures are forecast over interior Lebanon and the eastern Mediterranean basin over the coming days. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The extended period of very high temperatures and dry conditions may increase the potential for wildfires throughout the region and result in drought conditions in the country. Authorities may implement water rationing, restricting water supply when necessary; they may also prohibit the use of potable water to irrigate green spaces or limit water withdrawal from wells, springs, or waterways.

Heatwaves pose a health threat to vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses, due to the increased possibility of heat stroke or heat exhaustion during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. These risks could also extend to relatively healthy individuals during significant heatwave events. In addition to significantly impacting athletes and those who work outdoors, high temperatures can cause problems for people using mass transit. Some passengers may require hospitalization for dehydration due to the lack of air conditioning and cramped vehicles during rush hour.

Overheated vehicles could prompt traffic disruptions in urban areas where congestion is already a problem. Commercial trucking disruptions might occur, as very high temperatures put more stress on vehicles and make tire blowouts more common. Major flight disruptions are unlikely at regional airports, but general aviation disruptions are possible, and some airfreight carriers could reduce cargo loads. High temperatures could lead to an increased demand for electricity, which might trigger localized brownouts or blackouts, exacerbating hazardous conditions when air conditioning is no longer possible.