Record... Sea Surface Temperatures

The European Copernicus Climate Change Service announced on Monday that the global average sea surface temperature reached 21.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday, setting an unprecedented daily record, driven by climate change and the El Niño phenomenon.

This new record surpasses the previous high of 21.09 degrees Celsius, recorded in March 2024. Scientists note that this year’s El Niño climate event could be the strongest on record.

This natural climate phenomenon, which occurs every two to seven years, exacerbates a broader trend of rising ocean temperatures caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

In a statement, Copernicus noted that this daily record in August is unusual, as global ocean temperatures “typically peak in March and April,” coinciding with the end of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, which contains the largest water bodies.

Oceans play a crucial role in regulating the climate by absorbing 90 percent of the excess heat generated by human activities, particularly the burning of oil, gas, and coal.

Samantha Burgess, an official at the European service, stated in a press release: “This record is yet another clear indication of the increasing pressure on the oceans.”