The Mediterranean Sea reached its highest-ever surface temperature last week, according to Spanish researchers. The average of 28.9°C on 15 August, calculated with data from the European Union’s Copernicus Earth observation programme, topped the previous record set in July last year. A maximum temperature for the day of 31.96°C was also recorded on the Egyptian coast at El-Arish. Almost the entire basin is suffering under the effects of a marine heatwave. Sea temperatures have spiked, particularly close to shore. But these warm waters aren’t unique to this summer and the region is a hotspot fo…
