A mystery heatwave has engulfed the Pacific Ocean, with sea surface temperatures reaching a new record high. The phenomenon, which is believed to be linked to global warming, has confounded climate scientists who are struggling to explain its causes and effects.
The heatwave, which began in 2023, has been observed in the north Pacific, an area roughly ten times larger than the Mediterranean Sea. Temperatures in this region have risen by more than 0.25C above the previous record high set in 2022. The anomaly is being attributed to climate change and human activity, but researchers are unclear about its underlying causes.
The impact of this heatwave extends beyond the Pacific Ocean, with potential effects on weather patterns across the globe. Scientists warn that warming sea temperatures could lead to more intense thunderstorms and extreme weather events in regions such as California. Additionally, La Niña – a natural climate pattern – is also affecting global weather patterns, which may have consequences for the UK.
Researchers are exploring possible explanations behind this unusual heatwave, including changes in shipping fuels that could be contributing to the warming of sea surface temperatures. As a result, scientists are scrambling to understand how human-caused warming can manifest in complex and unforeseen ways.
The rising sea temperature has significant implications not only for marine ecosystems but also for global weather patterns, climate change mitigation efforts, and individual communities affected by extreme weather events.
Stay up-to-date with the latest climate news from the BBC's Justin Rowlatt on our Future Earth newsletter.
The heatwave, which began in 2023, has been observed in the north Pacific, an area roughly ten times larger than the Mediterranean Sea. Temperatures in this region have risen by more than 0.25C above the previous record high set in 2022. The anomaly is being attributed to climate change and human activity, but researchers are unclear about its underlying causes.
The impact of this heatwave extends beyond the Pacific Ocean, with potential effects on weather patterns across the globe. Scientists warn that warming sea temperatures could lead to more intense thunderstorms and extreme weather events in regions such as California. Additionally, La Niña – a natural climate pattern – is also affecting global weather patterns, which may have consequences for the UK.
Researchers are exploring possible explanations behind this unusual heatwave, including changes in shipping fuels that could be contributing to the warming of sea surface temperatures. As a result, scientists are scrambling to understand how human-caused warming can manifest in complex and unforeseen ways.
The rising sea temperature has significant implications not only for marine ecosystems but also for global weather patterns, climate change mitigation efforts, and individual communities affected by extreme weather events.
Stay up-to-date with the latest climate news from the BBC's Justin Rowlatt on our Future Earth newsletter.