ByLaura Paddison, CNN

Published 10:13 AM EDT, Tue June 20, 2023

https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/20/europe/marine-heatwave-north-atlantic-climate-scn-intl/index.html

A map shows the sea surface temperature anomaly on Sunday, June 18. Temperatures off the coast of the UK and Ireland are several degrees higher than usual.Climate Change Institute/University of MaineCNN—

Temperatures in parts of the North Atlantic Oceanare soaringoff the charts, with an “exceptional” marine heat wave happening off the coasts of the United Kingdom and Ireland, sparking concerns about impacts on marine life.

Parts of the North Sea are experiencing acategory 4 marine heat wave– defined as “extreme” – according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In some areas, water temperatures are up to 5 degrees Celsius (9 Fahrenheit) hotter than usual.

Global oceans have been exceptionally warm for months. April and May saw thehighest ocean surface temperaturesfor those two months since records began in 1850.

The regional picture…