Mediterranean climate shifts as Italy records extreme heat and ocean changes

Italy and the Mediterranean region are facing significant climatic shifts, characterized by record-breaking heat and changing ocean chemistry. The National Research Council has certified the summer of 2026 as the hottest since 1950. In Milan, the summer was the hottest since 1897, featuring 80 tropical nights and temperatures peaking at 38.7°C.

Research by ENEA indicates that the central Mediterranean's ability to absorb CO2 decreased by 30% in early 2023 due to weak winds and intense marine heatwaves. Data from the Lampedusa Oceanographic Observatory showed sea temperatures exceeding 31°C at one meter depth, a level unprecedented in recorded history.

Weather forecasts for late September indicate a transition period. While some regions like Pisa and parts of Calabria expect stable or sunny conditions in the short term, other areas including Rome and the Adriatic coast are bracing for temperature drops, increased rainfall, and potential transport disruptions due to incoming weather fronts.