In recent weeks, the eastern Mediterranean has seen a spike in seawater temperatures, especially near the coasts. On August 5, the average temperature for the entire Mediterranean was 27.35C, or 1,98C higher than normal, reported eltiempo, quoted by euronews.com.
Although it's just below the highest ever recorded Mediterranean average temperature of 28,71 - reached last July - the trend paints a worrying picture of what's happening beneath the waves. Coastal areas around France and western Italy also set very high temperatures for this time of year. In fact, almost the entire Mediterranean basin is suffering from a marine heat wave.
Installed by SOCIB (Balearic Islands Coastal Observation and Forecasting System), the tide gauge in Pollensa, Mallorca recorded up to 30,5C on 30 July. Other sites around the country have also seen the mercury move upward. A buoy in Valencia recorded 28.42C on Monday, while a buoy in Barcelona reached 28.30C.
Meanwhile, Météo-France reports that two buoys located off the east coast of Corsica and the east coast of Monaco saw water temperatures reach 30C on Monday. The French Meteorological Agency notes that these buoys are located some distance from the coast and that the water temperature closer to the beach can be even higher.
Tunisia is also witnessing "exceptional" temperatures, including 30,2C yesterday, coastal scientist Dr Oula Amrouni posted.
What is the impact of marine heat waves?
Sea surface temperatures also reached 30C around the coast of Malta, well above the usual average for late July and early August. Marine researcher Adam Gauchi of the University of Malta's Oceanographic Marine Research Group warned that these warmer waters could significantly affect marine habitats. Some species may move to cooler waters, causing depopulation of biodiversity around the coasts.
"Rising temperatures also increase the risk of harmful algal blooms, which can be toxic to marine life and ultimately to humans," he told Malta Today.
The national news site noted that the sea had turned green in several Maltese bays by the end of July.
Spain is bracing for the fourth heat wave of the summer from Friday and the sea will also feel the heat. Ocean experts from Mercator Ocean International (MOi) forecast an increase in the intensity of marine heat waves in the western Mediterranean basin for 10 August.
Eltempio says temperatures will also remain high in the eastern Mediterranean - in the 28 to 30C range off the coasts of Turkey, Egypt and Libya, as well as southern Greece and Italy. The sea is also expected to become warmer off Valencia, southern Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.