Environment Ministry warns against outdoor exercise as dusty haze engulfs Israel

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 said air quality was expected to improve throughout the course of the day.

The environment and health ministries recommended that people with heart or lung conditions, the elderly, children and pregnant women avoid any strenuous physical activity outside. All others were told to try to reduce strenuous exercise outdoors.

The Environmental Protection Ministry said the poor air quality was due to a deep depression over the eastern Mediterranean that was causing strong southwesterly winds and the movement of dust from the Sinai Peninsula.

Friday saw localized rainfall across northern Israel, ahead of an expected wintry weekend. Rain was expected to spread to other areas throughout the day, with potentially heavy rainfalls on Saturday.

There were some concerns that central towns could experience flooding, though no major incidents were expected. Flash floods were also expected in southern riverbeds.