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Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Marine heatwave in Wales could see beachgoers facing new threats
Marine heatwave in Wales could see beachgoers facing new threats The UK and Ireland are currently in the middle of a marine heatwave with some waters now 4C warmer than usual for the time of year Beachgoers will need to look out for these potentially deadly creatures (Image: Dwalad/Wiki ) Exotic sea creatures may start appearing on Welsh shores as water temperatures rise, according to scientists. The UK and Ireland are currently experiencing a marine heatwave, with some waters now 4C warmer than the normal for the spring months. The increase in both sea and land temperatures has already led to more people heading to the beaches, with the warmer waters reducing the cooling effect of sea breezes. However, for most swimmers and those dipping their toes, Britain's waters remain rather nippy. The heatwave is most severe in the Celtic Sea and off the west coast of Ireland, where current sea surface temperatures are up to 4C warmer, according to the Met Office. Along the UK coastline, the sea is 1.5C-2.5C warmer, with hotspots in Cardigan Bay and along the North Wales coast. These temperatures are "what we would usually expect around mid-June," stated the national forecaster. Labelling the event as "extreme", the Met Office reported that surface temperatures (SSTs) reached levels for April and May that were the highest since 1982 when satellite monitoring first began. Temperature anomaly map showing seas off the UK and Ireland much warmer than usual (Image: Met Office/Ostia ) The heatwave is not only significant due to its intensity but also its duration, which has taken observers by surprise. So far, it's lasted more than two months: typically, marine heatwaves in UK waters dissipate after two to four weeks, reports North Wales Live. Article continues below Sea temperatures are expected to start dropping in the next few days as cooler weather settles over the country. Dr Ségolène Berthou, the Met Office's scientific manager for regional coupled modelling, has attributed the heatwave to a combination of factors. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here She said: "The heatwave is the result of several overlapping factors. Prolonged high-pressure systems brought a dry, sunny spring and weak winds and waves, creating ideal conditions for warming. "This means the sea started to warm mid-February, one month earlier than usual. Additionally, the waters around the UK were already warmer than usual coming out of winter, a trend that has been building over the past 40 years, with an average increase of 0.3C per decade." Global climate change is leading to higher ocean temperatures worldwide, increasing the frequency of marine heatwaves. On May 19, the average UK sea surface temperature was recorded at 12.69C – significantly higher than the May marine heatwave threshold of 11.3C in the UK. The rise in sea temperatures may lead to more jellyfish visiting UK coasts annually. There have already been sightings of large barrel jellyfish stranded on beaches in Gwynedd and Ceredigion. Frankie Hobro, director of Anglesey Sea Zoo in Brynsiencyn, has issued a warning that this could result in more exotic and potentially dangerous sea creatures reaching Welsh beaches. She emphasises the importance of increased knowledge in marine medicine to safeguard beachgoers. Some may be newcomers, while others are grown versions of the young sea creatures already seen in UK waters. While the arrival of species like bluefin tuna, sunfish, and basking sharks is welcomed, not all are as desirable, she mentioned. Potential unwelcome visitors include pufferfish and Box jellyfish, one of Earth's most venomous creatures. Existing residents on British coasts, such as the weever fish, might become more troublesome. This small creature conceals itself in the sand and can inflict a painful sting. Box jellyfish have cube-shaped bell and numerous tentacles. Their stings can paralyse and they can be fatal (Image: Peter Southwood/Wiki ) The Portuguese man o' war, known for its potent sting, could also start appearing more frequently and in greater sizes, Frankie noted. Algal blooms are likely to occur more often due to calmer and warmer seas, leading to expanses of green algae that pose risks to other marine life. On a brighter note, bioluminescent displays near beaches may grow more frequent and spectacular. Yet, rising temperatures could push some marine species away from Britain's coastlines. "There is no escape from the heat for sea creatures within it," Frankie explained. "They can't turn on air conditioners under water, or escape it." Although the warmer waters might be noticeable to some swimmers, they remain quite chilly for the average beachgoer. Dr Berthou has observed that the North Sea has reached its temperature peak, while west Ireland and the Celtic Sea are currently at their warmest. During marine heatwave events, a warm water layer forms at the surface. She further explained: "This layer acts like a lid, trapping heat near the surface and preventing it from mixing into deeper, cooler waters. "It can be likened to a layer of olive oil floating on water; this thin surface layer allows heat from solar radiation to accumulate near the surface. When this layer forms, surface temperatures can rise rapidly: the last nine days have seen a sudden additional 1C warming." Dr Jonathan Tinker, a marine climate scientist at the Met Office, stated that prolonged warming can intensify land heatwaves by diminishing the cooling effect of sea breezes and altering rainfall patterns. Article continues below He added: "With projections suggesting UK summer sea temperatures could rise by up to 2.5C by 2050, such events are likely to become more frequent, intense and longer-lasting. Marine heatwaves offer a glimpse into how changing ocean conditions could shape future weather conditions."
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Record sea heatwave grips Wales but not all visitors will be welcome
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Exotic sea creatures could start being washed up on Welsh beaches as water temperatures soar, scientists believe. The UK and Ireland in the grip of a marine heat wave with some waters now 4C warmer than usual for the time of year. Already a surge in sea and land temperatures has seen more people flocking to beaches, with warmer waters reducing the cooling effect of sea breezes. However, Britain's waters remain distinctly chilly for most swimmers and toe-dippers. The heatwave is most intense in the Celtic Sea and off the west coast of Ireland, where current sea surface temperatures are up to 4C warmer, according to the Met Office. Around the UK coastline, the sea is 1.5C-2.5C warmer, with hotspots in Cardigan Bay and along the North Wales coast. These temperatures are 'what we would usually expect around mid-June,' said the national forecaster. Classing the event as 'extreme', the Met Office said surface temperatures (SSTs) reached levels for April and May that were the highest since satellite monitoring began in 1982. Not only is the heatwave significant due to its intensity, observers have been surprised by its longevity. So far it's lasted more than two months: usually, marine heatwaves in UK waters dissipate after two to four weeks. Sea temperatures are finally expected to start dropping in the coming days as cooler weather settles over Britain. Dr Ségolène Berthou, scientific manager for regional coupled modelling at the Met Office, said: 'The heatwave is the result of several overlapping factors. Prolonged high-pressure systems brought a dry, sunny spring and weak winds and waves, creating ideal conditions for warming. 'This means the sea started to warm mid-February, one month earlier than usual. Additionally, the waters around the UK were already warmer than usual coming out of winter, a trend that has been building over the past 40 years, with an average increase of 0.3C per decade.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Met Office/Ostia) Climate change is causing oceans to warm around the globe and is making marine heatwaves more likely. On May 19 the average UK sea surface temperature reached 12.69C – well above the country's marine heatwave threshold for May (11.3C). Scientists suspect warmer waters could increase the annual influx of jellyfish to UK shores. Already a number of sightings have been made of the huge barrel jellyfish washed up on beaches in Gwynedd and Ceredigion. A marine expert has warned it could see other exotic and unusual sea creatures arriving on Welsh shores in greater numbers. Frankie Hobro, director of Anglesey Sea Zoo, Brynsiencyn, believes some may pose a greater risk to beachgoers, underlining the need for greater awareness of marine medicine. Some might be first-time visitors, other more mature versions of juveniles currently spotted in UK waters. While many will be welcome, such as bluefin tuna, sunfish and basking sharks, others will not, she said. Candidates include pufferfish and Box jellyfish, one of the most poisonous animals on Earth. Others already on British beaches could become more of a pest, such as the weever fish. This little critter buries itself in the and can deliver an excruciating sting. Another occasional visitor which also packs a powerful sting is the Portuguese man o' war, which could arrive in larger numbers and sizes, said Frankie. (Image: Peter Southwood/Wiki) Algal blooms are also expected to become more commonplace due to calmer and warmer seas., with patches of green algae developing that can threaten other marine life. On the plus side, bioluminescence displays next to beaches may become more numerous and spectacular. However, heat stress could drive other marine life away from Britain's shores. 'There is no escape from the heat for sea creatures within it,' Frankie told North Wales Live. 'They can't turn on air conditioners under water, or escape it.' While the warmer waters might be discernible to some swimmers, they are still distinctly nippy for the casual bather. Dr Berthou said temperatures in the North Sea have already peaked, whereas west Ireland and the Celtic Sea are currently experiencing their highest levels. During marine heatwave events, a layer of warm water forms at the surface. She added: 'This layer acts like a lid, trapping heat near the surface and preventing it from mixing into deeper, cooler waters. 'It can be compared to a layer of olive oil floating on water; this thin surface layer allows heat from solar radiation to accumulate near the surface. When this layer forms, surface temperatures can increase fast: the last nine days have seen a sudden additional 1C warming.' Dr Jonathan Tinker, a Met Office marine climate scientist, said the prolonged warming can amplify land heatwaves by reducing the cooling effect of sea breezes and by altering rainfall patterns. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox He added: 'With projections suggesting UK summer sea temperatures could rise by up to 2.5C by 2050, such events are likely to become more frequent, intense and longer-lasting. Marine heatwaves offer a glimpse into how changing ocean conditions could shape future weather conditions.' Find the weather forecast where you live
The Independent
29-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Giro d'Italia to pay tribute to Pope Francis with stage start in Vatican City
The final stage of the 2025 Giro d'Italia will be dedicated to the late Pope Francis with organisers planning a special start in the Vatican City. The Giro has only twice previously passed through the papal enclave despite regular visits to Rome which is in line to host the finish of the three-week race for a third consecutive year. However the peloton will roll out from the Vatican on 1 June, with riders leaving via Porta del Perugino to commence the stage proper after paying tribute to the late pontiff. The 88-year-old Pope Francis died on the morning of Easter Monday, with his funeral held last Saturday. A conclave to elect the new leader of the Catholic Church will begin on 7 May. 'Rome will once again offer a spectacular finale for the Giro d'Italia, crossing iconic landmarks known worldwide,' Mauro Vegni, race director of the Giro d'Italia, said. 'The start from Vatican City, strongly desired by Pope Francis during the Jubilee Year, adds a special emotional value to this stage, merging sport with spirituality. 'The city circuit, featuring historic and evocative sites like Circus Maximus, Ostia, and the Imperial Forums, will provide riders and spectators with a stunning setting to celebrate the end of the Corsa Rosa. It will be a memorable day, paying tribute to Rome and the message of hope shared by Pope Francis'. The Giro's previous two visits to the microstate were in 1974, when it hosted the start of the opening stage, and 2000, when the prologue finished in St Peter's Square. The 2025 edition begins with a 160km route from Durres to Tirana, the first of a trio of stages in Albania. Tadej Pogacar, winner of the pink jersey last year, will not defend his title, with Primoz Roglic and Juan Ayuso among the top contenders for general classification success.
