North Sea water hits record 21.5°C
Measurement at the 'Gure' platform near Hoek van Holland set a new high; experts warn of weather and ecological consequences.
The North Sea reached an unprecedented surface temperature of 21.5 degrees Celsius last weekend, the highest reading since measurements began in 1984, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute reported.
The temperature was recorded at the platform 'Gure', located about 30 kilometres off the Dutch coast near Hoek van Holland. The previous record of 21.4 degrees was measured on 8 August 2018.
Possible knock-on effects for weather and the sea
Experts warned that an unusually warm North Sea could influence weather patterns in the months ahead, increasing the risk of heavier rainfall and stronger winter storms hitting the Netherlands.
Higher sea temperatures are also affecting the marine ecosystem: fish species are moving to different areas, a shift that could harm commercial fishing as an economic activity.
Authorities and scientists say continued monitoring is necessary to understand how persistent the warming will be and what longer-term impacts it may bring for coastal communities, fishing industries and weather systems in the region.
Photo: press material from the event
