The highest sea levels since the beginning of instrumental measurements were registered on Wednesday at the tide gauge stations of the Institute for Hydrometeorology and Seismology (ZHMS) in Bar and Kotor, the ZHMS announced.
It is reported that in Bar a level of +81 centimeters (cm) above mean sea level (MSL) was measured, while in Kotor +79 cm above MSL was recorded.
"These values exceed previous historical maximums by as much as eight cm in Bar and nine cm in Kotor, which represents an extremely rare and statistically significant event," the statement said.
The Institute emphasized that the continuous series of sea level measurements at these locations in digital form has lasted for almost 20 years.
They stated that during that period the total range between the lowest and highest sea levels ever recorded was approximately 130 cm.
As stated by the ZHMS, breaking the previous absolute maximum by almost ten cm represents an exceptional deviation from the previous variability of the system.
"In other words, within the entire two-decade range of oscillations, the recorded increase represents a sudden and extreme change in the limits of previously recorded values," the statement said.
The Institute stated that, according to the synoptic situation, the most likely cause of such high sea levels is the combined effect of reduced atmospheric pressure and the long-term effects of strong southern and southeastern winds.
"It is known that a drop in atmospheric pressure of 1 hPa can cause a sea level rise of approximately 1 cm (the so-called inverse barometric effect), while strong southern winds additionally push the water mass towards the coast, especially in more closed and morphologically specific areas such as the Bay of Kotor," the statement says.
It is added that when these meteorological factors coincide with the phase of high astronomical tide, extreme sea levels occur.
Such events, as stated, fall into the category of meteorologically driven extreme sea levels (storm surge effects), which represent one of the key risks for coastal zones.
"While they do not indicate an immediate permanent rise in mean sea level, their frequency and intensity require careful monitoring and detailed analysis, especially in the context of climate change and long-term trends," the statement said.
The ZHMS said that tide gauge stations, which continuously measure sea levels 24 hours a day throughout the year, enable precise monitoring of such phenomena in the Adriatic and provide key data for the analysis of extreme events and risk assessment.
This data, as they stated, is of particular importance for maritime affairs, ports, nautical tourism ports, but also for planning coastal infrastructure and adaptation measures.
"Due to increasing climatic and meteorological fluctuations, timely monitoring and analysis of sea levels are becoming increasingly important for understanding local impacts and for developing adequate responses to possible extreme conditions in the Adriatic Sea," the statement added.
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