Higher temperatures have been recorded on Crete in 12 of the last 13 months, January was the warmest ever on Earth and the sea is dying out.
Higher temperatures have been measured on Crete in 12 of the last 13 months
In January 2025, temperature averages across the country were notably higher than the standard levels typical for this season, as compared to the average from 2010 to 2019.
This information originates from a network of 53 weather stations operated by the National Observatory of Athens (meteo.gr). These stations have been in continuous operation since 2010.
The temperature data reveal significant variations across different geographical regions. The following map illustrates the deviations of average maximum temperatures recorded in January 2025, categorised by regional divisions.
January 2025 marked a significant point in temperature analysis, with the month ranking as the warmest January since 2010 in most regions, with noted exceptions in Northern Greece and Thessaly, where it stood as the second and fifth warmest, respectively.
The areas of Northern Greece and Thessaly reported the lowest positive temperature deviations for January 2025. This was largely due to several days characterised by foggy conditions in locations such as Florina and Thessaloniki.
In Athens, the average deviation of maximum temperatures during January reached +2.6 °C, with 25 out of 31 days exceeding typical seasonal levels.
In Thessaloniki, 23 days recorded temperatures above the average from 2010 to 2019, with the monthly average maximum temperature being 1.7 °C above the standard.
According to meteorologists G. Kyros, S. Dafis, and K. Lagouvardos from meteo.gr, it is notable that for Crete and the Peloponnese, January 2025 constituted the 12th month in a sequence of 13 consecutive months with positive departure from average maximum temperatures, with only November 2024 experiencing negative temperature deviations.
Furthermore, January 2025 displayed the highest temperature deviations in Western Macedonia, which has recorded the fastest temperature increases over the past 30 years, as noted by recent research from the METEO unit.
The table below summarises key temperature insights for selected regions during January 2025:
Region |
Average Temperature Deviation (°C) |
Days Above Normal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
Athens |
+2.6 |
25 |
Thessaloniki |
+1.7 |
23 |
Northern Greece |
Low positive deviations |
Varies |
Thessaly |
2nd warmest January |
Notable increases |
Crete |
Continued positive deviations |
12 of 13 months |
Temperature trends reveal a concerning pattern of ongoing warming. This period marks an increasing frequency of higher temperatures, emphasising the need for continued monitoring and research.
Research shows particular regions experiencing more pronounced temperature rises, particularly during winter months. This may influence local climates and contribute to broader environmental concerns.
The ongoing analysis by meteo.gr provides essential data and recognises the impact of climate changes in Greece.
Monitoring such temperature deviations is crucial for understanding future weather patterns and preparing for their potential consequences.
Climate data collection aids in effective decision-making processes across various fields.
The statistical information gathered from these weather stations will be instrumental in evaluating long-term environmental shifts and shaping future climate policies.
Community awareness regarding climate change impacts is critical. Knowledge of temperature trends will encourage appropriate actions to mitigate effects on local ecosystems and public health.
Continual education on climate matters ensures that society remains informed and engaged in addressing these vital issues.
Acknowledging the temperature increases within the context of geographical nuances is also important. Different regions exhibit varying levels of climate impact, with some areas experiencing much more dramatic changes than others. This variability plays a significant role in shaping local and national responses to climate change.
The Warmest January Ever
January 2025 has set a new record as the warmest January ever recorded on Earth, as announced by the Copernicus Climate Change Service on 6 February. The month broke the previous high-temperature record established just last year, despite the end of the El Niño phenomenon, which had contributed to rising temperatures in 2023 and 2024.
This past January continued to show remarkable conditions, maintaining the trend of record temperatures observed over the last two years.
Samantha Burgess, the deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, noted that this month’s temperatures came even amid the developing La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean. La Niña typically leads to a decrease in global temperatures, indicating a significant change in weather patterns.
The average surface temperature reached 13.23°C in January 2025. This figure represents a rise of 1.75°C compared to pre-industrial levels, marked before humans began significantly altering the climate through widespread use of fossil fuels for energy and other purposes.
Consequently, January 2025 is the 18th month out of the last 19 where the average surface air temperature globally exceeded the 1.5°C threshold compared to pre-industrial levels.
This increase surpasses the 1.5°C limit established by the Paris Agreement, signed ten years ago in 2015. The agreement aimed to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C while pursuing efforts to keep the increase around 1.5°C.
While the agreement focuses on long-term trends, this threshold must be observed over a minimum of twenty years to be considered surpassed. When accounting for this, the actual rise in temperature is about 1.3°C.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), formed by the United Nations, estimates that the 1.5°C limit is likely to be exceeded between 2030 and 2035. These projections remain consistent regardless of both future emissions and climatic developments.
The following table outlines historical January temperatures alongside significant events:
Year |
Average Temperature (°C) |
Notable Climate Event |
|---|---|---|
2022 |
12.8 |
Ongoing effects of global warming |
2023 |
12.9 |
El Niño influences observed |
2024 |
13.0 |
Record warmth from El Niño |
2025 |
13.23 |
Warmest January on record |
The exceptional warmth recorded in January 2025 demonstrates alarming trends in climate patterns. Recent global temperature records reveal that heatwaves and rising temperatures are becoming increasingly common.
Many regions may experience heightened extreme weather events, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human communities.
The Copernicus Observatory’s report highlights that the year 2025 marks a critical point in climate history. The data suggests a growing likelihood of exceeding the crucial temperature limits that frame international climate agreements. This might necessitate urgent adaptations and responses from nations and individuals alike.
Further Insights on January Temperatures:
- January has historically been a month of fluctuating temperatures, yet recent years have illustrated a consistent upward trend.
- Comparative studies show that the average temperatures for January have risen steadily over the past three decades.
- The evidence mounts that climate patterns are shifting due to human activity, requiring targeted action to mitigate impacts.
As the world moves forward, understanding the implications of such record temperatures becomes essential.
Factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and urbanisation all contribute notably to climate change, while simultaneously influencing weather patterns and temperature norms across the globe.
It remains crucial for governments, organisations, and individuals to implement strategies aimed at reducing carbon footprints and enhancing climate resilience.
Public awareness campaigns can facilitate broader understanding of climate challenges, promoting responsible behaviours and policies that could yield significant outcomes.
January 2025’s record-breaking temperatures serve as a call to action for global societies. The severity of environmental changes is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention.
The stakes are higher than ever, highlighting the necessity for collaborative efforts in addressing climate change effectively.
New measures, technologies, and initiatives must emerge to combat the continuous rise of global temperatures.
Investment in renewable energy sources, sustainability practices, and climate education forms the cornerstone of future resilience efforts.
For further details, refer to the findings from the European observatory Copernicus on the climatic records and trends observed recently.
The Sea is Almost Extinct
The fishing community has been facing alarming changes in the waters around Crete.
Captain Giannis Koukourakis, who actively fishes with two trawlers daily, expressed deep concern about the declining fish stocks. He stated that every passing year sees a drop in the catches.
Trawlers are returning to port with significantly reduced hauls. Where once the Mirabello Bay teemed with life, the sea now feels almost lifeless.
In recent trips, fishermen have struggled to find enough fish, often landing under a kilo of shrimp after dedicating several hours to fishing.
The yield can be as low as ten to fifteen crates, which is far from sustainable.
This current year is reportedly worse than the last, prompting fishermen to venture as far as the Cyclades in search of more fruitful fishing grounds.
During January and February, they hope to catch cod but find the numbers disappointing.
Historically, the coastal areas were vibrant, filled with various fish species like mullet, wrasse, and octopus. However, Captain Giannis noted that there has been a drastic decline.
The underwater life has diminished significantly—sea urchins are virtually extinct in these waters. He reflected on his youth, when he could easily gather over fifty fish with minimal effort.
When asked about the reasons for this alarming reduction in fish populations, Captain Koukourakis pointed out several factors.
Climate change has played a significant role, especially with rising water temperatures affecting marine ecosystems.
He also highlighted the impact of invasive species, such as the lionfish and pufferfish, which prey on fish eggs and disrupt local biodiversity.
Additionally, he raised concerns about foreign trawlers operating in the region, particularly those from Italy and Turkey.
These vessels often fish indiscriminately, catching shrimp along with many other species, including cod.
This uncontrolled fishing threatens the sustainability of local stocks, compounding the already dire situation.
To address these challenges, Captain Giannis suggested bold measures.
Even if all fishing were to be halted immediately, it would take years for fish populations to recover. Without a significant drop in sea temperatures, it is uncertain whether they would return.
He proposed the idea of withdrawing local trawlers from the water as a potential solution.
With such a grim outlook for the future of fishing in Crete, the community faces tough decisions. The fishing industry, once thriving and vital to the local economy, is at risk of collapse without serious interventions.
As local fish stocks continue to dwindle, the implications for the economy, food security, and cultural practices related to fishing are significant.
Efforts to enforce sustainable fishing practices are desperately needed.
Creating marine protected areas could help restore habitats and allow fish populations to rebound.
Additionally, regulations limiting the number of foreign vessels fishing in local waters might aid in preserving the remaining stocks.
These measures, while challenging to implement, are necessary to secure a more sustainable future.
Moreover, raising public awareness about the importance of these marine ecosystems is essential.
Educational initiatives focused on conservation can help foster a culture of sustainability.
By informing the community about the effects of overfishing and environmental changes, individuals may become more invested in protecting their coastal resources.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is vital to monitor fish populations and water conditions closely.
Collaborative efforts between government agencies, local fishermen, scientists, and environmental groups can drive progress towards sustainable fishing.
The ongoing health of the sea will require commitment and support from all stakeholders involved.
Investing in research and monitoring programmes can provide valuable data to inform policy decisions.
Understanding the dynamics of marine ecosystems is crucial for developing effective management strategies.
Long-term studies on fish populations and habitat conditions can reveal trends and guide conservation efforts.
The decline in fish stocks serves as a warning sign. It reflects the fragile state of marine ecosystems that have been shaped by both human activity and natural events.
Protecting these precious resources is a responsibility shared by all, from fishermen to consumers.
By making informed choices and supporting sustainable practices, individuals can help ensure that the marine environment remains vibrant for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors are causing the increase in temperatures in Crete in the past year?
Several elements contribute to the rising temperatures in Crete.
Global warming driven by human activities is a key factor, resulting in higher average temperatures across the region.
Additionally, local environmental changes, such as urbanisation and land use, play a significant role.
Changes in ocean currents and atmospheric patterns also influence climatic conditions, leading to warmer weather.
How do the recent temperature changes in Crete compare to historical climate trends?
The recent trends in temperature in Crete show an upward shift when compared to long-term averages.
Historical data indicates that the country has experienced increasing average temperatures over the decades, but the last year has seen an accelerated rise.
This shift in climate patterns demonstrates a departure from typical seasonal variations, indicating a more drastic change.
What are the major effects of the warmer months on Crete’s environment?
The elevated temperatures in Crete have led to several notable impacts on the environment.
- Ecosystem Changes: There has been a shift in local ecosystems, with some species struggling to adapt to new temperature norms.
- Water Resources: The warmer climate has affected freshwater availability, resulting in water scarcity in certain areas.
- Agriculture: Crops may face challenges due to increased heat stress, affecting yields and agricultural practices.
What actions are being implemented in Crete to address climate change?
Crete is taking various steps to adapt to changing climate conditions. Efforts include:
- Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable farming techniques to enhance water conservation and reduce environmental impact.
- Renewable Energy: Increasing the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce carbon emissions.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns are underway to educate the public about climate change and encourage eco-friendly behaviours.
How do the recent temperature shifts in Crete fit within global warming forecasts?
The recent temperature increases in Crete align with broader global warming predictions.
Climate scientists expect many regions around the world, including Crete, to experience warmer climates due to rising greenhouse gases.
The patterns seen in Crete reflect similar trends observed globally, reinforcing the urgency for climate action.
What is the scientific rationale for Crete experiencing warmer months frequently?
The phenomenon of Crete experiencing warmer months has a scientific basis rooted in climate dynamics.
Factors such as rising global temperatures, changes in regional weather patterns, and natural variability contribute to these conditions.
Over the past year, a combination of these elements led to the region experiencing 12 warmer months out of 13, highlighting the impact of ongoing climate change.
