Record-Breaking Power Demand as Heat Wave Grips Israel and Cyprus
Electricity use in Israel has smashed all previous records, as a brutal heat wave tightens its grip on the region.
On Sunday afternoon, demand surged to 15,806 megawatts, the highest ever recorded. It overtakes the previous peak of 15,694 megawatts, logged in August last year, according to the national grid operator Noga.
The country is sweltering under extreme conditions. Forecasters warn the worst is yet to come, with temperatures in the mid-40s Celsius expected in hotspots such as the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, and Eilat.
Authorities have wasted no time. Fire bans are in place across open areas. Public health officials urge people to stay hydrated and avoid the sun during the most intense heat.
But the crisis is not stopping at Israel’s borders. In northern Cyprus, chaos struck after a massive explosion at a substation near Morphou. Entire towns, including Famagusta, were plunged into darkness. The blast also disrupted water supplies, compounding the misery for residents.
Kib-Tek, the region’s electricity provider, is battling to restore power. Persistent faults at one of its two main plants have hampered progress. Emergency repair crews from Turkey have been flown in to speed up the recovery.
The Republic of Cyprus is feeling the strain too, with its power grid now running dangerously close to full capacity.
The unfolding situation is a stark reminder of how vulnerable modern infrastructure is to climate extremes. With the Heat Wave showing no sign of easing, energy authorities across Israel and Cyprus are scrambling to keep the lights, and the fans, on.
