Greek Seas Among Fastest-Warming in Europe, New Data Shows

Greek seas are experiencing significantly higher-than-normal surface temperatures for early June, in what experts are calling yet another clear signal of accelerating climate change in the Mediterranean region.

According to the National Observatory of Athens, recent satellite data shows sea surface temperatures across Greece ranging from 20 to 22°C — notably above average for this time of year. The unusually high readings are attributed to a combination of seasonal heat and the absence of strong winds, which normally help cool the water.

Ionian and Aegean Seas Showing Noticeable Anomalies

The Ionian Sea is currently around 2°C warmer than average for early June, while the Aegean Sea is registering anomalies of 2 to 3°C above normal, say researchers Stratos Vougioukas and Kostas Lagouvardos from the Observatory’s meteorological team.

These early summer temperatures are not just a seasonal oddity — they are part of a broader and worrying trend. Sea surface warming is considered one of the most critical indicators of global climate change, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, fisheries, tourism, and coastal communities.

Warming Outpaces Global Average in Parts of Greece

Long-term data reveals that the average temperature of Greek seas has increased by approximately 1.5°C over the past 30 years, translating to a rise of 0.05°C per year. In some regions, like Northern Greece, the warming is even more pronounced — exceeding 2°C since the early 1990s, far above the global average increase of 0.6–0.8°C during the same period.

The most significant rises have been recorded in the North Aegean, the Ionian Sea, and waters surrounding Crete, with annual increases nearing 0.08°C.

Record Temperatures in 2024 Highlight Escalating Trend

The current findings follow an alarming 2024 summer, when Greek seas experienced their highest temperatures in over four decades. Surface temperatures soared past 30°C in some areas, including the Thermaic Gulf, posing threats to marine biodiversity and amplifying the risk of extreme weather events.

Data from the European Marine Service Copernicus further confirmed widespread above-average sea temperatures throughout the Mediterranean basin during that period.

As Greece braces for another hot summer, scientists stress the urgency of sustained climate monitoring and mitigation strategies. The warming of the seas is not only a scientific concern — it is a growing challenge for the nation’s environment, economy, and way of life according to in.gr