Oceans reach record high temperatures in June, scientists predict continued warming trend

EU’s Copernicus Marine Service Reports Record Global Sea Surface Temperatures in 2026 First Half

The European Union’s Copernicus Marine Service has released a report stating that the first half of 2026 was marked by sustained and exceptional ocean warmth. According to the report, global sea surface temperatures reached 21.0 degrees Celsius (69.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in June, exceeding previous records set in 2023 and 2024.

The report also notes that marine heatwaves expanded steadily throughout the first six months of 2026, affecting around 82 percent of the global ocean. The Mediterranean, central North Atlantic, and equatorial Pacific were identified as hotspots, with these regional signals indicating an ocean under sustained thermal stress.

Scientists warn that the onset of a potentially powerful El Nino weather pattern could further boost global heat in the oceans and atmosphere. Current conditions may indicate the beginning of a new phase, leading to uncharted territory. With ocean temperatures at these levels and El Nino on the horizon, more temperature records are likely to fall in the coming months.

El Nino is characterized by unusually warm waters in parts of the Pacific Ocean, releasing heat into the atmosphere and influencing wind, cloud, and weather patterns globally. This can lead to increased risk of weather extremes, including floods, droughts, and wildfires.

The report follows a warning issued by a major UN scientific assessment last month, which declared that the world’s oceans are in a “deepening crisis” due to warming and rising seas. Oceans play a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate, absorbing 90 percent of excess heat caused by human greenhouse gas emissions. Warmer oceans contribute to increased moisture in the atmosphere, fueling tropical cyclones and destructive rainfall, while also contributing to sea-level rise and coral bleaching.

The Copernicus report highlights the ongoing impact of climate change on the world’s oceans, with record-breaking temperatures and marine heatwaves expected to continue into 2026.

Source: Al Jazeera