Mediterranean Sea Experiences Category‑4 Marine Heatwave

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has classified the current marine heatwave in the Mediterranean Sea as a Category 4 extreme event. Sea‑surface temperatures have risen to about 33 °C in large parts of the western and central basin, exceeding normal levels by more than 5 °C.

Analyses from NOAA and the Mediterranean Centre for Environmental Studies show that the anomaly is among the most intense recorded in recent years. The heatwave is expected to persist for several days, with forecasts indicating continued temperatures near 33 °C. Such extreme warming threatens marine ecosystems, influences regional weather patterns, and can affect economic activities such as fishing and tourism.