Environment

August disguised as fall: Thunderstorms, extreme heatwave expected as Israel nears end of summer

The unusual forecast follows heavy rainfall in eastern Israel on Saturday, when large amounts of rain fell within a short period, causing flooding and flash floods.

People walk in the rain in Jerusalem, August 15, 2026.
A wildfire burns in a canyon near Asomatos village on the island of Crete, Greece, July 30, 2026.

Israeli arrested for allegedly lighting barbecue at rented villa, sparking wildfire in Crete

A man cries as he embraces a rescue worker in the aftermath of an earthquake, in Cali, Colombia, August 13, 2026.

Race to reach trapped survivor offers hope in Colombia quake zone

A satellite image shows Qeshm Island following suspected oil spills at sea, off the coast of Iran, August 10, 2026.

Two slicks appear in Gulf as huge oil spill off Oman threatens disaster


Israeli desert microorganisms survive harsh climate, offer clues to life on Mars

The findings may redefine the known boundaries of life on Earth and offer a model for what microbial life might look like on Mars or other arid planets.

Israelis swim in the "Disappearing Lake" in Timna Park, in the southern Israeli desert, on September 9, 2017

Israeli breakthrough: The technology that could save the planet from global warming

Innovative SolCold technology cools the environment without using energy. Israeli entrepreneurs are promoting it to companies and organizations - from wineries and breweries to the military.

Global warming: melting glaciers at the poles; snowstorms and freezing temperatures in other regions.

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupts, spewing ash 10 km. into the sky

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted in Indonesia, sending volcanic ash 10 km. into the sky. Authorities raised the alert to its highest level and evacuated nearby villages amid growing concerns.

Mount Lewotobi, Indonesia, photographed in c. 1915; illustrative.

The vanished Red Sea and the catastrophic flood that brought it back

Researchers found that 6.2 million years ago, the Red Sea dried completely and was then suddenly reflooded, marking one of Earth's most extreme environmental events.

Vibrant marine life in the current day Red Sea.

Air pollution: A persistent plague on the lungs of Jerusalemites

Air pollution is not adequately monitored, and the government lacks the funds to implement a national plan.

A tourist covers her face near Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem as a sand storm hits.

Wildlife advocate, primate expert Jane Goodall dead at 91

Goodall was a pioneer in her field, both as a female scientist in the 1960s and for her work studying the behavior of primates.

Dr. Jane Goodall, chimpanzee researcher and naturalist, observes through glass some of Taronga Zoo's 25 member chimpanzee colony in Sydney

Dozens killed as powerful quake strikes central Philippines

The death toll was 69 as of late Wednesday morning, said Jane Abapo of the regional Civil Defense office, citing data from the provincial disaster agency that was subject to validation.

Rescue personnel stand in front of a damaged structure following a 6.9-magnitude earthquake, in Daanbantayan, Cebu Province, Philippines, October 1, 2025.

Corals in Gulf of Eilat survive record heatwaves, offering new hope to Israel's only reef

The findings provide a rare glimmer of hope amid a global coral crisis, as reefs worldwide collapse under rising ocean temperatures.

The reef in Eilat, southern Israel, February 19, 2021

Hiking the Holy Land: The land that wakes the soul

Back in Israel, walking once again through its dry hills, I turned to our tradition for insight. Was this feeling something real, or just post-vacation sentiment?

Walking in the Judean Hills, it’s clear that the end of summer has descended upon the Land of Israel.

Strong earthquake strikes Evia island, felt in Athens

The quake was allegedly of magnitude 5.2, and was felt in the Greek capital.

 Athens