The Mediterranean remains very warm even in late September. Much of the sea is 1.5-2 °C above long-term average, some parts are over 3 °C warmer than average for this period.
The warmest regions are the Alboran sea (up to 4 °C above average), the Ligurian sea (3-3.5 °C above average) and the Adriatic sea (2.5-4 °C above average). Most of the Mediterranean is about 1.5 to 2 °C warmer than 1982-2012 average.
Mediterranean sea surface temperature anomaly on September 25, comparing current temperatures with 1982-2012 average. Data: CNR MED. Map by our co-admin Andrej Flis.
In absolute terms, the warmest parts are the southern and eastern Mediterranean, where sea surface temperatures are still mostly above 27 °C and locally up to 29 °C. Central parts are around 25-27 °C, while northern parts are closer to 24-26 °C.
Mediterranean sea surface temperature on September 25. Data: CNR MED. Map by our co-admin Andrej Flis.
The intense Bora winds will produce strong upwelling effect, cooling the Ligurian and Adriatic sea surface very significantly in the next few days. Sea surface temperatures are likely to drop below 20 °C.
Towards the end of this week, a Medicine is likely to form across the very warm south Mediterranean and Ionian sea. It could potentially bring severe winds/flash floods threat into the southern Greece.