Dangerous heat wave to stretch from Egypt to Turkey, Syria into Friday
The risk for heat-related illnesses will be elevated from northern Africa into parts of the Middle East this week as unseasonable heat builds over the region.
Millions of people will be at risk as locations endure multiple days of extreme heat with high temperatures as much as 15 C (27 F) above normal.
Any outdoor activities done in this heat could be very strenuous and potentially dangerous, leading to an increased risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
When possible, outdoor activities should be avoided during the hottest part of the day. Residents should also be sure to drink plenty of water, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing and seek shade for a break from the heat.
Heat began to build across northeast Africa on Tuesday as temperatures soared above 38 C (100 F) away from the coastline in northern Libya and northern Egypt, including Cairo.
The temperature reached 42 C (108 F) in Cairo on Wednesday, which actually was not as hot as the same day last year, when the mercury reached 44 C (112 F).
Cairo will endure this heat wave through Friday, with temperatures peaking on Thursday and Friday.
A high temperature near 43 C (110 F) is forecast for both days, well above the normal high temperature of 33 C (91 F).
Even the normally cooler coastal city of Alexandria will endure significant heat as temperatures are expected to reach 42 C (107 F) on Thursday.
Relief will come to Alexandria on Friday; however, cooler air will not reach Cairo until Saturday.
This dangerous heat will quickly expand northeastward into the Middle East with a heat wave forecast from Wednesday into Friday.
Temperatures in excess of 38 C (100 F) are expected in Tel Aviv, Amman and Aleppo.
The hottest of these locations will be Tel Aviv, where a high temperature of 42 C (107-108 F) will scorch the city on Friday.
Temperatures may even approach 38 C (100 F) in Jerusalem as the heat peaks on Friday.
While temperatures will not be as extreme along the coast from Lebanon to southern Turkey, residents will still be at risk for heat-related illnesses.
The worst conditions will be on Friday when temperatures reach 33-34 C (92-94 F) in Beirut and Mersin. Inland locations from Adana to Gaziantep can expect high temperatures of 35-38 C (95-100 F).
A cold front arriving from the west will finally bring some relief from Israel and Jordan to southern Turkey on Saturday as the core the heat shifts into Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Download the free AccuWeather app to view the up-to-date forecast for warm weather conditions in your area.
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