Israel warns: Air pollution high on Sunday; minimize strenuous activity

Published: NOVEMBER 26, 2023 11:35

Tourists on Mount Olives look at the foggy view of the Old City of Jerusalem on April 24, 2022, as a major sand storm hit across Israel. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) — Tourists on Mount Olives look at the foggy view of the Old City of Jerusalem on April 24, 2022, as a major sand storm hit across Israel.

(photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Improvement in air quality is expected during the night hours in the northern and central parts of the country with the arrival of precipitation and changes in wind direction.

The Environmental Protection Ministry warned that air pollution levels throughout all regions of the country were high on Sunday due to high concentrations of particulate matter.

The pollution entered Israel due to strong westerly winds from Egypt to Israel, leading to local sandstorms in the Negev and the Arava.

The ministry warned that people with heart conditions, respiratory patients, the elderly, children, and pregnant women should avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity. The rest of the population should minimize strenuous outdoor physical activity.

Air quality expected to improve by night

Improvement in air quality is expected during the night hours in the northern and central parts of the country with the arrival of precipitation and changes in wind direction. In the Negev and the Arava, improvement in air quality is expected during the morning hours of Monday, the ministry said.

Particulate matter usually refers to particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These particles can be anything from metals, chemicals, ammonia, sulfates, nitrates, etc. Because they are so small, they can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract.

View of the Israeli city of Netanya on a hazy day, December 25, 2019. (credit: FLASH90)