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Sea waters a 'good degree higher' than where they should be

The sea around Jersey reached over 18°C this week, temperatures not usually seen until late in the summer.

Jersey Met says that the sea temperature is a 'good degree higher' than where it should be, after temperatures reached 18.4°C this week.

It's because of warmer Atlantic waters leaking into our seas, and the amount of sunshine we've had. 

Forecasters say we are reaching temperatures not usually seen until late August.

The warmer water is changing the visiting marine life to our shores, with octopus becoming more plentiful - something being closely monitored by Marine Resources officials, because of the impact on local shellfish stocks.

Duty Forecaster John Searson, says the sea will most likely continue to heat up in the coming weeks:

"The sea temperature at the moment is 17.6°C (10July).

"That's measured at St Helier harbour, normally we wouldn't expect the temperatures to be as high as this.

"The most likely scenario is it will go higher than where we are now, normally our highest temperatures are measured towards the end of August."

Meanwhile, Jersey is into what is set to be the second official heatwave of the summer.

It reached a higher than predicted 28.9°C degrees yesterday, and it is forecast to hit 30°C degrees today.

A heatwave is three or more consecutive days above 28°C, and this hot spell is set to last into Sunday, peaking at 31°C.

It comes with the risk of heatstroke and dehydration.   Public Health advice is to stay in the shade and drink plenty of water.

As the sunshine gets people flocking to the beach, its boomtime for businesses in our bays.

Gabby Mason, from the Driftwood café at Archirondel, has seen plenty of locals and visitors including tourists from France and Germany;

"We're having a wonderful time so far this season, and I think everyone in hospitality hopes this lovely sunshine continues.

"It has just been really wonderful to see the community really buzzing and everyone back on the beaches."

 

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