Satellite measurements have detected some of Earth’s most severe marine heatwave increases in the waters surrounding the United Kingdom and Ireland
The latest data shows that certain areas are experiencing above-average water temperatures for this time of year, indicating the presence of a significant marine heatwave.
The maritime heatwave had an especially negative impact on the coastal areas along the east coast of the United Kingdom, from Durham to Aberdeen, and the northwest coast of Ireland.
The higher temperatures in these regions are shown on a map that compares the sea surface temperatures on June 18, 2023, to the long-term average from 1981 to 2016.
Extreme temperature abnormalities in the Baltic and North Sea
The North Sea is seeing sea surface temperatures that are more than 5°C above the seasonal norm, according to satellite data.
A more severe temperature anomaly is also occurring in the Baltic Sea, where temperatures are currently more than 8°C above average.
According to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Craig Donlon, Head of Earth Surfaces and Interior Section, the present maritime heatwave qualifies as an intense Category IV/V occurrence, which is extremely rare for this particular period of summer.
The present maritime heatwave qualifies as an intense Category IV/V occurrence
Impacts on marine life and connection to global heatwave
The convergence of atmospheric and oceanic elements gives rise to marine heatwaves, which are currently causing concern in the waters surrounding the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The persistently high temperatures observed pose a potential threat to marine life, including fish, as they face the risk of widespread mortality.
Additionally, these heat waves are intricately linked to the intensification and prolongation of extreme weather phenomena.
Simultaneously, there is a global trend of rising air and ocean surface temperatures, coinciding with the warming of the seas in the UK.
Extensive records dating back to 1850 from the Met Office reveal that April and May of 2023 experienced the highest-ever recorded global sea surface temperatures.
Unprecedented heatwaves worldwide
This unprecedented heat has contributed to a series of extreme heat incidents worldwide, notably including devastating wildfires in Canada, heatwaves in China and Siberia, and the reduction of Antarctic sea ice.
According to the analysis conducted by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, June 2023 is expected to set new records for heat levels.
The first 11 days of June have already been confirmed as the warmest ever recorded globally for this time of year.
The first 11 days of June have already been confirmed as the warmest ever recorded globally for this time of year.
This remarkable occurrence signifies the first instance where global air temperatures in June have exceeded pre-industrial levels by more than 1.5°C.
While the current surge in temperatures is projected to be temporary, experts predict that further temperature records will be shattered in the coming months due to the anticipated warming of the Pacific Ocean linked to the development of an El Niño event.
In fact, scientists are already forecasting that 2024 could potentially become the hottest year ever recorded.
Understanding ecological, economic and climatic change
Craig Donlon, emphasising the utmost importance, highlights the necessity of ongoing monitoring of the marine heatwave’s impact using a combination of satellite and ground-based data.
Such monitoring efforts will provide valuable insights into the stress imposed on the marine ecosystem, the consequences for industries like aquaculture and fisheries, alterations in local wind patterns, and the potential for subsequent rainfall events.
Global warming: Implications for Arctic sea ice and beyond
Furthermore, Donlon underscores the truly global significance of the situation by drawing attention to substantial warming trends observed in the Tropical Pacific.
This can be attributed to the prevailing El Niño system, as well as the widespread warming of surface waters in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
He warns that this alarming trend will eventually merge with the ocean’s water column, leading to an infiltration of excess heat into the Arctic Ocean through ocean currents, further hastening the decline of Arctic sea ice.
