World oceans are recording record-breaking warming this year, with the trend particularly pronounced in the Adriatic: temperatures once only measured at the peak of summer have appeared as early as June, experts warn in reports cited by N1.
Oceanographer Mirko Orlić notes that fifty years ago, the highest Adriatic temperatures were recorded in August and stood at around 25 degrees Celsius. Today, summer maximums regularly reach 27 degrees, with such values arriving significantly earlier this year.
The main causes are prolonged heatwaves and the fact that the Mediterranean, along with the Adriatic, is warming twice as fast as the world’s oceans. During stable anticyclones, winds are too weak, reducing evaporation and mixing of seawater—processes by which the sea naturally cools.
For swimmers, warmer seas mean less refreshment. Combined with hot air, high sea temperatures exacerbate thermal discomfort on the coast, making time spent on the beach in July and August increasingly arduous.
Changes may force the tourism sector to adapt. Scientific studies suggest that extreme summer heat will long-term reduce the Adriatic’s appeal during peak season, diverting some guests towards cooler European destinations. Meanwhile, the pre-season and post-season could grow significantly as the sea remains warm enough for swimming outside the main summer months.
Consequences extend beyond tourism. The warming of the shallow, semi-enclosed Adriatic is already causing the die-off of native organisms and the spread of tropical fish species that are displacing local stocks. If prolonged periods of heat and weak winds continue, experts warn the Adriatic could reach new historical temperature records by the end of summer.
