UK sea temperatures soar after exceptionally warm spring

Sea temperatures around the UK and Ireland have surged in the past week, with some areas now 4C warmer than usual. This warming trend is attributed to an ongoing marine heatwave that began in late 2024 and intensified in March 2025, marking one of the hottest springs on record. The rise in sea temperatures, powered by climate change, may impact marine life, fisheries, and recreational activities like swimming, potentially leading to disruptions in breeding patterns and the influx of jellyfish and harmful algae. Scientists expect these marine heatwaves to become more frequent and intense, with implications for ecosystems and fisheries in the region.