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Mediterranean now hotter than ever as huge warm-water patch develops
The first 30°C reading of the summer has been recorded in Mallorca as experts track a growing area of exceptionally warm water
Sea temperature forecast for this Saturday
Only a couple of weeks ago, scientists were warning that Mediterranean waters were already far warmer than they should be for the start of summer. Now those concerns are becoming reality, with sea temperatures climbing even higher and parts of the Spanish Mediterranean breaking through the 30°C mark.
The latest readings suggest a vast area of exceptionally warm water is developing across the Mediterranean as Europe's relentless heatwave continues to push temperatures upwards both on land and at sea.
For the first time this summer, the Spanish Mediterranean has recorded a sea temperature above 30°C. On Sunday July 12, waters in Mallorca's Bay of Pollença reached 30.9°C, a figure more commonly associated with tropical destinations in the Caribbean than holiday resorts in Spain.
Elsewhere, temperatures are continuing to rise across large parts of the Mediterranean. Buoys around the Balearic Islands, Valencia, Cabo de Palos and southern Catalonia are currently recording sea temperatures of 27-28°C, with some areas even warmer.
According to weather platform Meteored, conditions over the coming days are likely to push temperatures higher still. A persistent mass of hot air from North Africa is expected to remain over the Mediterranean, while strong sunshine and light winds allow the sea to absorb even more heat.
Forecasters now believe a huge patch of unusually warm water could form across the western Mediterranean, with temperatures reaching 29-30°C across a broad area. That would put parts of the sea around 5°C above the average for mid-July.
The consequences are likely to be felt well beyond the coastline. Warmer seas increase humidity levels and can weaken cooling sea breezes, making hot spells feel even more uncomfortable.
Experts also point out that unusually warm waters contribute to more tropical nights, when temperatures stay stubbornly high after sunset, as well as the sweltering nights that have become increasingly common during Spanish summers.
The sea's rising temperature could also play a role when storms eventually arrive. Warm water releases extra heat and moisture into the atmosphere, providing additional energy that can make storms more intense.
Marine life faces challenges too, with prolonged periods of unusually high temperatures capable of disrupting ecosystems and placing added stress on plants and animals that depend on cooler waters.
For more weather news go to our Weather & Climate page or follow the Spain Weather Watch Facebook group for regular updates
Image: Meteored
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