Stormy days are expected from this morning, Wednesday, 22 Cheshvan and on Thursday. Severe haze conditions have resulted in poor air quality. The skies are brown in many areas this morning and visibility in some areas is less than 1000 meters. Magen David Adom on Tuesday evening issued a health alert for people with respiratory and cardiac conditions, urging them to remain indoors on Wednesday if at all possible as the air quality is poor and poses a threat to the infirmed and others in high risk categories. The air quality is reported to be 30 times worse than acceptable.

The Uvda Airport is Eilat was closed on Wednesday morning due to poor visibility. Arkia Airlines has moved its flights to Ben-Gurion Airport and will not be operating in S’dei Dov this morning due to limitations at that locale. In a notice to the media Arkia reported it will operate out of Ben-Gurion from 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM on Wednesday.

Heavy rainfall and thunder showers are expected in the area of the Eshkol Regional Council in the coming hour. The Israel Electric Company is on alert amid predictions of another storm, which will be accompanied by strong wind gusts. Wind gusts will be as high at 70-80 KM (42-48 MPH) and strong winds are already present in Yerushalayim this morning.

Strong winds, local showers, thundershowers and stormy weather are predicted for areas around the country on Wednesday and Thursday, primarily in the north and south of the country. Power outages are expected along with flooding in Nachals in the south and eastern areas of the country. There will be a slight drop in temperatures. The haze is expected to dissipate towards the afternoon hours.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)