The Mediterranean Sea has reached unprecedented temperatures, with water off the coast of Mallorca hitting 33.02C, according to Spain's meteorological agency AEMET. This reading, if confirmed, surpasses the previous Mediterranean record of 31.96C set earlier in 2024. Tourists in the region reported little relief from the heat, with the sea feeling uncomfortably warm.
AEMET stated that sea surface temperatures off Mallorca reached 33.02C on Wednesday. The previous record was 31.96C, recorded off the coast of Egypt in 2024, and before that, 28.71C was recorded in July 2023.
The record sea temperatures coincide with a severe heatwave affecting Europe, pushing temperatures above 40C in several countries and fueling wildfires. Italy has placed all 27 monitored cities on red alert, warning of health risks for the entire population. Authorities are advising residents and tourists to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, stay indoors, and drink plenty of water.
In Rome, tourist attractions like the Colosseum and Pantheon have extended evening opening hours, and cooling mist fans have been installed. Major landmarks are also being equipped with additional medical stations to cope with the extreme heat.
Beyond Spain and Italy, the heatwave has caused significant disruptions across the continent. Austria recorded its highest temperature ever at 41.2C in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg. The country is also experiencing severe drought, with rainfall significantly below average in many regions.
In Hungary, record-low water levels on the Danube River have impacted the operation of the country's sole nuclear power plant, forcing a reduction in output. Budapest registered its warmest overnight low temperature on record, with temperatures not dropping below 28C.
Germany is facing challenges with declining water levels on the Rhine and other rivers, affecting inland waterway shipping and industrial logistics. Environmental groups are calling for increased resilience in river systems to cope with climate change.
Wildfires remain a concern, particularly in southeastern France, where a blaze that began July 20 has burned over 23 square miles, the largest in the region in decades. Firefighters are on high alert due to strong winds and extremely dry conditions.
Similar conditions are present in the Balkans, where temperatures neared 40C, and authorities are battling drought and wildfires in countries like Serbia. Firefighting efforts are complicated by difficult terrain in some areas.