Global sea surface temperatures have climbed to a new record, with scientists warning that a strengthening El Niño, combined with decades of human-driven climate change, is placing unprecedented pressure on the world’s oceans.
The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service said sea surface temperatures reached an average of 21.1 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday, narrowly exceeding the previous record of 21.09 degrees Celsius recorded in March 2024.
Copernicus climate lead Samantha Burgess said the latest record was another clear indication of the growing stress on the oceans, noting that while El Niño is contributing additional heat, it is occurring against the backdrop of long-term global warming.
The timing of the record has also raised concern.
Global ocean temperatures typically reach their annual peak around March and April, as summer ends in the Southern Hemisphere, where oceans cover much of the surface.
This year, however, the highest temperature was recorded in August — months later than the usual seasonal peak.
The development comes as El Niño, a naturally occurring climate pattern that warms large parts of the Pacific Ocean and influences weather worldwide, is forecast to strengthen.
The World Meteorological Organization expects the phenomenon to intensify in the coming months, while Copernicus says its seasonal forecasts indicate it could reach levels not seen for several decades.
Scientists say the combination of El Niño and long-term human-caused warming could amplify extreme weather risks, including heatwaves, heavy rainfall and droughts, while placing additional stress on marine ecosystems.
The latest ocean temperature record adds to mounting evidence of a rapidly warming climate and highlights the growing pressure on the oceans, which absorb much of the excess heat generated by human activity.
