For the first time in June, the Mediterranean is experiencing unprecedented heat, with an increased risk of intense rainfall and health consequences.
Never before has the Mediterranean basin recorded such high temperatures in June, with an average reaching 25.1 degrees Celsius, setting a new all-time record for this month. This is more than 2.7 degrees above the normal average across the entire basin.
Waters Like the Caribbean Sea
In the western Mediterranean, surface temperatures have reached extreme levels, nearly 28 degrees Celsius along the Ligurian Sea, between Corsica and Italy. Between this area and the Gulf of Lion, anomalies exceed 5 degrees above normal. This heat amplifies the heatwave: warmer seas heat the atmosphere and increase evaporation, reducing nighttime cooling and intensifying tropical nights.
An Environment Favorable to Bacteria
Another risk is that this heat exacerbates health dangers along the coast by promoting the growth of bacteria such as Vibrio or E. coli, which can cause severe infections, especially in the case of open wounds. These bacteria can even penetrate the skin during simple swimming activities.
Source: meteoetradar
