The Mediterranean Sea reached unprecedented sea surface temperatures for the month of June, alarming scientists across Europe. On June 29, the temperature hit a record 26.01°C (78.82°F), according to data from Copernicus analyzed by Météo-France. That’s roughly 3°C (5.4°F) above the seasonal average, with some localized spikes exceeding 4°C (7.2°F)—particularly along the French and Spanish coastlines. The most severe marine heat has been recorded in the western Mediterranean basin, including the Balearic and Tyrrhenian seas.
These conditions are part of a broader warming trend affecting one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions. According to Euronews, the Mediterranean is warming significantly faster than the global average, and scientists warn that current weather patterns are likely to prolong the heat.
Indeed, marine heat waves can devastate ecosystems beneath the waves—killing seagrass, bleaching coral, and displacing fish—but their impacts don’t stop there. These extreme ocean temperatures can also fuel severe weather events on land, contributing to wildfires, droughts, and prolonged heat waves.
Intrigued? Find out all you need to know about rising ocean temperatures and the devastating consequences by clicking through this informative gallery.