Study predicts heat events in our seas yearly

AN "unprecedented" marine heatwave in Irish seas could become an annual occurrence, according to new research.

- BY STEPHEN BEECH

Record-breaking surface temperatures were recorded in the Celtic Sea off our southern coast in June 2023, reaching 2.9C above the monthly average for 16 days.

Scientist say the phenomena was primarily driven by high-pressure weather systems that brought high solar radiation, weak winds, and warm air.

But while unprecedented since observations began, the new study warns that rapid climate change means there is now around a 10 per cent chance of a marine heatwave of the same scale every year.

The June 2023 marine heatwave hugely disrupted phytoplankton blooms, according to the research.