World's Oceans Hit Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded in August
- The global average sea surface temperature reached a record high of 21.1°C on August 22, 2026, surpassing the previous high set in March 2024, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service .
- El Nino is strengthening and is expected to reach intensities not seen for several decades, adding heat to already human-driven ocean warming, as noted by the World Meteorological Organization.
- Warmer oceans are causing sea levels to rise through thermal expansion and increasing marine heatwaves, threatening ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass meadows, fisheries, and coastal communities.
- Higher ocean temperatures increase atmospheric heat and moisture, potentially intensifying storms and heavy rainfall, while also reducing the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, weakening a critical natural defense against climate change.
17 Articles
17 Articles
The oceans continue to warm at a disturbing rate. A new record has just been recorded, as the effects of climate change are increasingly felt on the seas around the world. ...
New data from the EU Copernicus programme show how quickly the earth heats up: the highest average sea temperature has just been measured. Climate researchers are amazed at the time of the record.
The new temperature record of 21.1 degrees documents how fast climate change is progressing. Climate researchers were astonished at the time of the record.
This record "is another clear sign that the ocean is under increasing stress," says a European expert
Copernicus warns of increased risks from the record warming of the marine surface caused by the climate crisis and El Niño
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