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Exceptional atmospheric conditions in June 2023 generated a northwest European marine heatwave which contributed to breaking land temperature records

Earth Sciences

Exceptional atmospheric conditions in June 2023 generated a northwest European marine heatwave which contributed to breaking land temperature records

S. Berthou, R. Renshaw, et al.

In June 2023, the Northwest European shelf witnessed extraordinary surface temperature anomalies, with some areas north of Ireland reaching up to 5°C above average. This unprecedented marine heatwave lasted 16 days, significantly impacting weather patterns across the region. Conducted by a team of leading researchers including Ségolène Berthou and Richard Renshaw, this study highlights the alarming implications of such temperature spikes under high greenhouse gas emissions.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
The Northwest European shelf experienced unprecedented surface temperature anomalies in June 2023, with anomalies up to 5°C locally, north of Ireland. This resulted in the longest recorded category II marine heatwave (16 days). The heatwave developed rapidly due to strong atmospheric forcing (high sunshine, weak winds, tropical air) and weak wave activity. The heatwave then fed back on the weather, reducing cloud cover over the sea and contributing to breaking June mean temperature records and enhanced convective rainfall over land. This event was intensified by a 20-year warming trend, and such temperatures are projected to become commonplace by mid-century under high greenhouse gas emissions.
Publisher
Communications Earth & Environment
Published On
May 30, 2024
Authors
Ségolène Berthou, Richard Renshaw, Tim Smyth, Jonathan Tinker, Jeremy P. Grist, Juliane Uta Wihsgott, Sam Jones, Mark Inall, Glenn Nolan, Barbara Berx, Alex Arnold, Lewis P. Blunn, Juan Manuel Castillo, Daniel Cotterill, Eoghan Daly, Gareth Dow, Breogán Gómez, Vivian Fraser-Leonhardt, Joel J.-M. Hirschi, Huw W. Lewis, Sana Mahmood, Mark Worsfold
Tags
marine heatwave
temperature anomalies
climate change
oceanography
greenhouse gas emissions

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