‘Most severe heatwaves on Earth’ hits UK coast as alert issued

A heatwave off the coast of Ireland and the UK has been described as “one of the most severe marine heatwaves on Earth.”

Thankfully, Yorkshire isn’t affected by the soaring temperatures from the new heatwave hitting the coast – only seas are affected and air temperature over land is not being impacted. The North Atlantic has experienced record-breaking heat for the last three months, peaking on June 17 at 23C, New Scientist magazine reports.

Scientists at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) say the country is experiencing a category 4 (extreme) marine heatwave. Waters off the west coast of Ireland and the UK’s east coast are the most impacted and among the highest temperatures in the region, reports DublinLive.

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Cathal Nolan from Ireland’s Weather Channel explained: “While it’s certainly been warm over land of late perhaps even more significantly the temperature of the waters around Ireland have been even hotter. NOAA has produced a graphic indicating that in some areas Sea Surface Temperatures (SST’s) are some 5 Degrees Celsius above average at present.

“We’re used to hearing about heatwaves overland, but our seas and oceans can also experience heatwaves, leading to significant impacts to sea surface temperatures, marine life, corals and secondary impacts such as fishing, real feel conditions for swimmers and of course, our weather.”

Cathal went on to explain one we are experiencing such a heatwave. “For Ireland, the prolonged spell of warm, sunny weather we’ve experienced has certainly elevated our SST’s, with values now on par with what we would typically expect in August or September when they’re at their highest.

“Trade Winds emanating out of Africa have been weaker than usual, leading to less Saharan sand entering our atmosphere, meaning increased direct sunlight and thereby increasing temperatures. Meanwhile, we’ve also begun to experience El Niño conditions, which result in enhanced global temperatures.

“Another layer is of course the fact that present temperatures are 1.1 degrees Celsius above average across Ireland due to climate change, with Europe’s temperatures rising at a rate double that as high as the global average. This complex picture explains why we’re experiencing a marine heatwave at the moment.”

Extreme sea temperatures can cause more powerful storms and kill marine life like fish in greater numbers.

Meanwhile, Met Eireann does not have good news for Irish sun seekers as rain is expected to dominate the forecast over the coming days.

Met Eireann has said the rain will arrive and conditions will stay “unsettled for the weekend and into next week with outbreaks of rain or showers, potentially turning heavy at times”.

They said it will “stay humid Saturday with occasional outbreaks of rain, most frequent in western parts later in the day. Most areas will be cloudy with the best of any sunshine in the east and northeast. Highest temperatures of 19 to 24 degrees in light to moderate southerly breezes.

“Rain will turn persistent and potentially heavy over much of the west and midlands overnight on Saturday while parts of the east will remain dry until morning. Lowest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees in light to moderate southerly breezes, veering westerly by morning.

“A dull and wet start Sunday with widespread outbreaks of rain. The rain will clear to scattered showers by the afternoon, some of which may be heavy or thundery. Some sunny spells will develop as well. Temperatures will be a bit cooler than in previous days with highs of 17 to 21 degrees in mainly light westerly breezes.

“Mostly cloudy with scattered showers on Monday, merging to longer spells of rain in the west later in the day. Maximum temperatures of 16 to 18 degrees in light southwesterly breezes.

“Early indications are that it will remain unsettled through mid-week with further spells of rain or showers expected.”