Israel on alert as European heatwave intensifies and shifts eastward

A brutal summer heatwave sweeping across Europe is prompting Israelis to keep a close eye on weather patterns, as the so-called “heat dome” slowly shifts eastward toward the Eastern Mediterranean.

Israel’s Meteorological Service has issued warnings advising children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. While temperatures in Israel have so far remained within seasonal norms, officials have also warned of elevated UV radiation levels, raising concerns about increased long-term skin cancer risk.

Retailers across Israel report rising demand for sunscreen, sunglasses, fans, and air conditioning units, as residents prepare for the peak of summer. “People are taking this seriously,” said Adam, a manager at a Jerusalem-area hardware store. “Many have family and friends in Europe and are hearing how severe the heatwave is. It’s already been hot here, and most buildings have air conditioning, but you can’t stay inside all the time.”

Israeli beaches along the Mediterranean coast, the Sea of Galilee, and the Dead Sea are already crowded and are expected to become even busier next week as schools finish the academic year and summer holidays begin.

Across Europe, meanwhile, the extreme heat has triggered widespread disruption. Wildfires have broken out in Croatia and other southeastern countries, while Greece is reportedly bracing for one of its hottest summers in decades.

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is projecting above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall in Greece and the wider region through the end of August.

Spain has placed almost the entire country under heat emergency warnings, while Italy's Ministry of Health has issued red alerts in 15 cities, including Milan and Rome. Several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, have reported heat-related deaths, while Belgium and the Netherlands have seen spikes in emergency calls for heatstroke and dehydration. Authorities have also warned of drowning risks as people seek relief in rivers, lakes, and pools.

Scientists attribute the conditions to hot air masses moving north from the Sahara Desert, trapped under persistent high-pressure systems that can stall over large regions for weeks. These “Omega block” patterns can intensify heat, dry out soil, and increase the risk of wildfires.