Malta Experiences Intense Heatwave with Soaring Air and Sea Temperatures

· Updated

In brief

  • Malta is experiencing an intense heatwave, with air temperatures reaching 42.3°C on Monday.
  • The sea surrounding Malta has entered a 'Strong' marine heatwave, with water temperatures climbing to nearly 29°C.
  • The extreme heat is expected to ease from Wednesday, after Monday's air temperature nearly matched the July record.

Malta is currently in the grip of an intense heatwave, with air temperatures soaring to 42.3°C on Monday. This figure was just one degree shy of the highest July temperature ever recorded on the island, highlighting the severity of the current conditions.

Adding to the extreme weather, the sea around Malta and Gozo has officially entered a Category 2, or 'Strong', marine heatwave. Water temperatures have risen significantly, reaching nearly 29°C.

Researchers at MCAST have reported that the average sea surface temperature around the Maltese Islands saw a notable increase, jumping from 27°C to 28.8°C. This rise in sea temperature can have various impacts on marine ecosystems.

The heatwave has brought challenging conditions across the islands, affecting daily life and prompting warnings about the high temperatures.

However, there is some relief in sight. Forecasters predict that the intense heat is expected to begin easing from Wednesday, offering a slight reprieve from the scorching conditions experienced over the past few days.

The marine heatwave currently affecting the waters around the Maltese Islands has been officially classified as Level 2. This classification signifies a "Strong" intensity for the elevated sea temperatures.

This development follows earlier reports of the sea surrounding Malta entering a marine heatwave, with temperatures climbing to nearly 29°C. The Level 2 designation provides a more specific measure of the severity of this environmental phenomenon.

The Spin Room

Low media divide. ONE News reported on the specific classification of the marine heatwave as Level 2.

Updates

  • : Updated with confirmation that the marine heatwave around the Maltese Islands has reached Level 2 intensity.

Sources (3)