Israelis used 15,690 megawatts at 2:53 p.m. on Sunday, as mercury climbed to 40°C and above in some parts of country

Temperatures and humidity will rise and stay high until Monday at least; officials urge public to take extra care outside

Health Ministry warns public to stay in cool environments, drink lots of water and avoid physical exertion

Temperatures expected to rise above 35 degrees Celsius throughout the eastern part of the country

Peak to come Thursday, with 33°C in Tel Aviv, 37°C in Jerusalem; electricity management company presents plan to avoid repeat of June blackouts

Rains forecast to break extreme heatwave that hit region in recent days, sparking hundreds of fires and leaving thousands without power;

Ecologist recommends hitting southern deserts for a colorful display in mid-May, with rainfall there three times last year's amount

Schools shut in some northern towns; sea foam churned up by strong winds blankets Tel Aviv port in white

Flooding reported in northern Negev region, coastal cities deluged as temperatures drop; some areas around Dead Sea closed to visitors; snow falls on Mount Hermon

Higher-than-average temperatures will last until at least Thursday, with firefighters anticipating potential blazes