Sunshine spreads across the UK and Ireland

During the summer months, large algal blooms occur frequently in the Balic Sea. Often driven by warmer temperatures, abundant sunlight, and nutrient-rich waters, these blooms can reduce water quality and affect marine life. In late June 2026, a new algal bloom was observed across parts of the Baltic Sea.

Western and Central Europe are facing a severe heatwave caused by a persistent high-pressure atmospheric system known as an “Omega block”.

A severe heatwave is currently affecting western Europe, France and Spain being the most affected countries.

The Yukon Delta, located on the Bering Sea coast of western Alaska, USA, is one of the largest river deltas in North America. Its maze of channels, wetlands, tundra, and lakes provides important habitat for migratory birds, fish, and other Arctic wildlife, while also shaping local transport and subsistence activities.

Sea ice around Svalbard plays an important role in the Arctic environment, influencing marine ecosystems, surface temperatures, and the ocean-atmosphere exchange. According to the latest C3S bulletin, Arctic average sea ice extent ranked as fourth lowest on record for May 2026, with particularly low sea ice around Svalbard.