THE HAGUE, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The temperature of the North Sea off the Dutch coast rose to 21.5 degrees Celsius last weekend, the highest level recorded since measurements began in 1984, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) said Wednesday.

People take a refreshing dip in the sea during a traditional diving event to welcome the New Year in Bloemendaal, the Netherlands, on Jan. 1, 2024. (Photo by Sylvia Lederer/Xinhua)

KNMI said the record-high temperature was caused by global warming combined with persistent high-pressure systems that have dominated the weather in recent months, bringing abundant sunshine and little wind.

Since 1984, KNMI has measured seawater temperatures at Goeree Light Island. The previous record was set on Aug. 8, 2018, when the sea temperature reached 21.4 degrees Celsius.

"Global warming is accompanied by ever-new heat records, not only over land but also at sea, with unforeseen consequences for marine life," KNMI said.

The institute added that there is an urgent need to accelerate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-fuel combustion and large-scale livestock farming, while also removing CO2 from the atmosphere.