Record Marine Heatwave Hits Northwestern Mediterranean

The northwestern Mediterranean Sea is experiencing an unprecedented marine heatwave, with average sea surface temperatures rising 5.2 degrees Celsius above normal, according to data released by Spain's Institute of Marine Sciences.

Researcher Justino Martínez said the average intensity of the marine heatwave has reached 5.2°C above historical norms, making it the strongest event ever recorded in the region.

Martínez attributed the record-breaking temperatures largely to the intense heatwave that recently swept across much of Europe, significantly warming Mediterranean waters. The affected area includes waters north of Spain's Balearic Islands as well as parts of western Corsica and Sardinia.

The measurements were based exclusively on sea surface temperatures collected through satellite observations, allowing scientists to monitor thermal changes across the region.

According to Martínez, the record was set after the peak of the atmospheric heatwave shifted eastward across Europe, altering the distribution of heat over the Mediterranean.

Scientists warn that the marine heatwave is another clear indication of the accelerating impacts of climate change. 

Oceans have absorbed around 90% of the excess heat generated by human activity since the beginning of the industrial era, while Europe continues to warm faster than any other continent.

Researchers also note that warmer oceans and higher atmospheric temperatures increase the atmosphere's capacity to hold moisture, raising the likelihood of more intense storms and devastating floods.

Elevated Mediterranean Sea temperatures previously played a major role in fueling the catastrophic storms that struck Spain in October 2024, triggering the country's deadliest flooding in decades. 

More than 230 people lost their lives, with the Valencia region suffering the highest number of casualties.