The Environmental Protection Ministry warned Friday of poor air quality across the country due to dust sweeping in from Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
The ministry said there was a “high to very high” level of air contaminants in the Negev and Arava regions of southern Israel, and a high level in the Tel Aviv area, Jerusalem, the West Bank, Jordan Valley, coastal plain and Sharon region.
The ministry stated that air quality would improve over the course of the day.
The environment and the health ministries recommended that people with heart and lung conditions, pregnant women, the elderly, and children avoid strenuous outdoor activity. All other people were advised to limit strenuous exercise outside.
According to the Environmental Protection Ministry the poor quality of the air was caused by strong southwesterly winds, and dust movement from Sinai Peninsula.
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Friday saw some rain in northern Israel, just before the forecast wintry weekend. Rain was expected to spread throughout the day to other areas, with possible heavy rains on Saturday.
There were concerns that flooding could occur in central cities, but no major incidents were anticipated. Also, flash floods were expected in the southern riverbeds.
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