World’s oceans break June heat record: Monitor
Global sea surface temperatures reached a record high in June, continuing a trend driven by climate change and the onset of El Nino. Scientists warn that these temperatures could climb further throughout 2026.
Why it matters
Rising ocean temperatures have severe implications for marine ecosystems, weather patterns, and global climate stability.
PARIS: The world’s oceans experienced their hottest June on record and could set fresh highs in the months ahead as El Nino and climate change drive temperatures even higher, scientists said Wednesday. Global average sea surface temperatures in June were 20.98°C, beating the previous records of 2023 and 2024, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Marine Service.Average sea temperatures in the first half of the year were 20.04°C, slightly below the high set in the same period in 2024. And scientists said the onset of a potentially powerful El Nino weather pattern could boost global heat in the oceans and atmosphere even further in 2026 and into next year.Report by AFP
The report relies on data from the Copernicus Marine Service and presents scientific findings without political commentary.
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