Unraveling the Rising Threat of Atmospheric and Marine Heatwaves in the Mediterranean Region

Heatwaves (HWs) are extreme climate events increasingly magnified under climate change, posing significant risks to both human and environmental systems. The Mediterranean region, recognized as a climate change hotspot, is experiencing a worrying amplification of both atmospheric and marine heatwaves. In this presentation we will discuss the evolution and interplay of these phenomena emphasizing their compounding effects when occurring simultaneously.

Our findings reveal a clear increase in HW frequency, intensity, and duration, with the concurrence of atmospheric and marine heatwaves resulting in a significant local amplification of marine heatwave intensity. While atmospheric heatwaves remain largely unaffected by this interaction. This interaction has become more prominent in recent years, highlighting the increasing complexity of extreme climate phenomena in this region.

The results underscore the urgent need for regionally tailored strategies to mitigate the cascading impacts of compounding heatwaves, as their intensification under climate change exacerbates threats to Mediterranean ecosystems and communities.