Marine heatwave in UK to intensify next week, forecasters warn

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleUK waters are experiencing a prolonged marine heatwave, with surface temperatures currently averaging 2C above normal and reaching levels typically seen in August. Forecasters predict this marine heatwave will intensify to "extreme" levels next week, a classification rarely recorded in UK waters. Some offshore regions along the English and Welsh coasts are seeing temperatures 4-5C higher than usual, with the English Channel already in marine heatwave conditions for much of 2026. Experts warn these record-breaking temperatures, exacerbated by climate change and a recent "heat dome," will significantly impact weather patterns, global climate and marine ecosystems, potentially altering fish populations and harming species. The Met Office advises caution regarding cold water shock for swimmers, despite the elevated sea temperatures, and recommends using RNLI lifeguarded beaches. In fullUK marine heatwave could reach ‘extreme’ levels next week – here’s the impact it could haveMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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