Experts are closely monitoring a North Atlantic heat anomaly, which could lead to increased chances of extreme heatwaves in Europe during the summer of 2025.
North Atlantic Warming
The North Atlantic has experienced unprecedented warming in recent years. For about a year, the average surface temperature in the North Atlantic has been at its highest daily level since records began 40 years ago. Climate experts attribute this warming to human activity, with oceans absorbing over 90% of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases.
Predictions and Preparations
Researchers at the University of Hamburg have analyzed ocean data and found a correlation between heat build-up in the North Atlantic and subsequent European heatwaves. Climate models indicate that extreme summer heat, currently occurring every ten years, could become an almost annual event by the end of the century. Predicting these extremes is crucial for public health and mitigating potential damage.
The average sea surface temperature (SST) for March 2025 over 60°S–60°N was 20.96°C, the second-highest value on record for the month. SSTs remained unusually high in many ocean basins and seas.