Marine heat wave conditions have been affecting the western Mediterranean Sea and parts of the Atlantic through the summer. This data visualisation, based on Copernicus Marine Service data for Aug. 13, shows sea surface temperature anomalies across the Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent Atlantic. Red and dark red tones indicate areas where sea surface temperatures were above the long-term average. Image courtesy of European Union, Copernicus Marine Service Data
Aug. 19 (UPI) -- A study released Wednesday shows that the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea are far hotter than normal, threatening ecosystems and coastal communities.
Parts of the oceans around Europe reached more than 42 degrees Fahrenheit above average this week in a marine heat wave hitting the area.
Climate change is the cause, said the World Weather Attribution consortium in the study.
This summer has been especially brutal in Europe, which has seen multiple heat waves with extreme temperatures and worsened by wildfires. Western Europe recorded its hottest summer on record.
