Meteorological Service Warns of Historic Global Heatwaves and Rising Temperatures in Israel

Israel's Meteorological Service issued a special update on Sunday highlighting an unusual global heatwave trend. While Israel faces a gradual but intense warming, many parts of the world are experiencing historic heatwaves unseen since measurements began. The service warned that the last days of June will see temperatures slightly above seasonal averages, with Monday expected to be the hottest day of the week. Temperatures will exceed 30 degrees Celsius across most of Israel except the coastal strip, with Jerusalem's hills reaching 32-33 degrees and eastern valleys soaring up to 42 degrees. Coastal areas will remain below 30 degrees but will experience increased humidity around 70% at midday for the first time in weeks.

In Europe, the heatwave has broken numerous national and local temperature records. Germany recorded its highest temperature ever at 41.3 degrees Celsius on June 26. France experienced its hottest day in history with an average daily temperature of 29.8 degrees and a peak of 44.3 degrees, while Paris hit 40.9 degrees, the second highest ever recorded. The UK saw a June record of 37.3 degrees in the south, and new June highs were also set in Switzerland (38 degrees in Basel), the Netherlands (39.4 degrees), Belgium (40 degrees), and Spain, which recorded its highest average daily temperature since 1950 with some areas exceeding 44 degrees.

The heat dome responsible for this extreme weather is moving from western Europe toward central and eastern regions, though its intensity is decreasing. Meanwhile, the eastern United States is preparing for an emerging heatwave, with forecasts predicting 40-41 degrees Celsius in Washington and New York midweek. New York's highest recorded temperature is 41 degrees from July 9, 1936, and this record may be broken soon.

The Meteorological Service's report underscores the global scale of these unprecedented heatwaves and the local impact in Israel, urging caution as temperatures rise and humidity increases in the coming days.