Summer 2024: Highest temperatures on the North and Baltic Sea since 1997
Summer 2024: Highest temperatures on the North and Baltic Sea since 1997
In the summer of 2024, the temperatures in the North and Baltic Sea again recorded a significant increase compared to the long-term average values. This is an impressive confirmation of the general trend towards higher water temperatures, which is important for both environmental researchers and the tourism industry.
The Federal Office for Sea shipping and hydrography (BSH) has now published that the summer 2024 has been the tenth heating for the North Sea and the fifth heat for the Baltic Sea since the beginning of the records in 1997. This season was characterized by regional temperature fluctuations and a pronounced warm climate in some areas.
temperature rise in the North Sea
The temperature rise in the North Sea is particularly striking. From the beginning of June to the end of August, the average water temperature was 14.9 degrees Celsius according to BSH - this is about a degree higher than the long -term cut. In the German waters in particular, the third warmest summer values have been recorded since 1997. The increase is mainly noticeable in the southern area, where the warm currents have more influence.
Although the temperatures in the North Sea rise, there are also significant increases in other parts of the northern Atlantic. For example, the values west of Norway were also above average. This phenomenon could have long -term effects on marine ecosystems, including biodiversity and fishing industry, which depends heavily on the water temperatures.
extreme values in the Baltic Sea
However, the Baltic Sea shows even more extreme developments. The temperatures along the German Baltic Sea coast were between 0.5 and 1.3 degrees above the long -term average. The reported values in the North and Baltic Sea space are particularly alarming, where extremely high temperatures of over 2 degrees above the average were registered. These record values are sometimes the highest since the start of recording and raise questions regarding the future climatic conditions.
To collect this data, the BSH used satellite -based technologies that combined with measurements of stations and ships. In weekly analyzes, the surface temperatures were determined in June, July and August to create a precise image of the summer water temperatures. The comparison takes place with the values from 1997 to 2021 and thus enables a sound assessment of climate development in these regions.
The data collected are not only of scientific interest. They could also influence the behavior and structure of marine life, especially with regard to the reproduction of fish and other marine animals that are adapted to specific temperature ranges. The increase in water temperatures could therefore also present the fishing industry and the entire marine industry.
summarized, the data of the BSH show a clear trend: the temperatures in the North and Baltic Sea climb. This could have far -reaching effects on marine ecosystems and economic activities around these waters. Since the summer of 2024 is classified as significantly warmer, the question remains how this will develop in the coming years and what measures must be taken to cope with the effects of climate change on our sea.