A rise in sea temperatures due to a prolonged marine heatwave could lead to an increase in the presence of great white sharks along British coastlines, experts have warned. The Met Office raised concerns about the potential for extreme marine heat levels, which might attract Mediterranean species like great white sharks and box jellyfish to UK waters.
Oceanographer Jim Dale emphasized the likelihood of common marine species, such as cod fish, diminishing while new species, including sharks, jellyfish, and toxic algal blooms, could pose risks to beachgoers. The ongoing heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 34C, has caused sea surface temperatures around the British Isles to be up to 5C higher than usual, creating conditions for a rare marine heatwave.
Dale highlighted the impact of warmer waters on marine life, suggesting that families could face increased dangers on beaches due to the emergence of poisonous algal blooms. He also mentioned the potential migration of great white sharks and other Mediterranean species towards UK shores as a result of the changing ocean conditions.
The Met Office noted that the current marine heatwave, triggered by a heat dome, was the most intense one encountered this year, with significant repercussions on ecosystems and wildlife. While northern regions like Scotland and the north of England were expected to experience warmer temperatures, there were forecasts of cooling down followed by possible thunderstorms in the south and Midlands.
As the heatwave persists, high pressure systems are likely to keep warm conditions in place across the UK, especially in the southwest, with a chance of thunderstorms in some areas. The continued fine, dry, and warm weather outlook could maintain heatwave conditions in certain regions, even as temperatures may vary across the country.