The Environmental Protection Ministry, on Friday, issued a warning after Israel was covered in a blanket of dust brought on by easterly winds.
The high level of pollution was caused by the winds carrying dust from Jordan that is expected to dissipate only in the late evening hours. People at risk, including the elderly, those suffering from heart or lung disease, small children and pregnant women are all advised to remain indoors and avoid physical exertion.
The dust storm came on the heals of the coldest night recorded in Israel during October, in 33 years. Temperatures dropped to only 4° C (32.9° F) in the southern coastal areas, the coldest since 1991.
Warm temperatures are forecast for the weekend and the coming days while winds from the east are expected to continue to blow.
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