AI Insight
The Mediterranean Sea is capable of producing tropical-like cyclones, sometimes referred to as "medicanes," which can generate hurricane-force conditions. Recent events such as storms Ianos (2020), Daniel (2023), and Jolina (2026) have demonstrated their destructive potential, including catastrophic flooding and significant loss of life in regions like Greece and Libya. Scientific evidence suggests that climate change is expected to intensify the severity of these storms, even if their frequency remains uncertain.
Why it matters
Mediterranean coastal populations, particularly in North Africa and Southern Europe, face increasing risk from these underestimated storm systems, highlighting the urgent need for improved early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation strategies in the region.
In March 2026, a tropical-like cyclone named “Jolina’ produced significant damage across North Africa. In 2020 and 2023, storms Ianos and Daniel both caused severe damage in Greece, and the latter triggered a humanitarian disaster in the city of Derna, Libya, where thousands were declared dead or missing.
Source: The Mediterranean Sea is capable of generating hurricanes and climate change will make them worse