Record European sea temperatures driven by climate change

Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group reported that human-caused climate change was the main driver of record-breaking sea temperatures around Europe in summer 2026. The Mediterranean averaged 27 degrees Celsius in July, the highest on record, and waters near Spain — Mallorca reached 33 degrees Celsius in early August. The analysis found that peak temperatures in the eastern and western Mediterranean, the Bay of Biscay, and the Iberian coast would have been virtually impossible without climate change. In the Celtic Sea, extreme temperatures would occur only once a century without global warming. The warming adds about 2 degrees Celsius to the Mediterranean and 1.4 degrees Celsius to Western European seas. About 90% of the Bay of Biscay and 80% of the western Mediterranean experienced marine heatwave conditions this year, compared to 40% without global warming. Scientists warn of severe consequences for marine ecosystems, including mass die-offs of corals and disruption of food chains, and increased risk of intense storms. Coastal communities relying on these ecosystems for food and income face significant threats.