Belgian North Sea experiences heatwave: 'It feels like a bath'

The Belgian North Sea is enduring an exceptional heatwave, with sea water temperatures shattering records for the 185th consecutive day. This prolonged period of warmth has seen the sea surface temperature break daily records 63 times this year alone.

In July, the average temperature was a striking 2.7 degrees Celsius higher than the 25-year average. Currently, the average surface water temperature stands at 21.2 degrees Celsius. Closer to shore, the shallow beach water is even warmer, reaching 24 degrees Celsius in Ostend, making a refreshing dip a distant memory.

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It feels like bathwater.

Jan Seys from the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) described the water as feeling like "bathwater." He explained that a marine heatwave is defined as sea water remaining above average temperatures for more than five consecutive days, a condition the North Sea has met continuously since February 4.

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The North Sea is not a sea that is used to such temperatures. The life in it is not adapted to these high temperatures.

These extreme temperatures pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Seys noted that the North Sea's inhabitants are not accustomed to such warmth. While some species may temporarily move to cooler, deeper waters, this is not a sustainable solution. Scientists anticipate long-term shifts in species distribution and the potential extinction of some, replaced by species that prefer warmer climates.

Adding to the concern, the reality is outpacing scientific models. Seys observed that scientists are increasingly questioning their predictions as events unfold faster and more drastically than anticipated. The rapid rise in temperatures, faster than predicted, suggests potential unknown connections within the climate system. A decrease in sea water temperature is not expected soon, with the North Sea typically reaching its peak warmth in late August or early September.

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We are seeing more and more that scientists themselves begin to doubt, because they see things that are going a bit faster and turn out to be a bit more drastic than predicted.