Global Ocean Surface Temperature Hits Record 21.1°C Amid Super El Niño
According to Copernicus, Europe's Earth observation agency that has monitored sea-surface temperatures daily since 1979, the global average reached an unprecedented 21.1 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) on August 22. This figure exceeds the prior single-day record of 21.09 degrees set in March 2024. The new record emerges months before the usual peak in global ocean temperatures, influenced by a potent El Niño in the tropical Pacific and ongoing climate change. Samantha Burgess, the strategic lead for climate at Copernicus' European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, explained that El Niño exacerbates heat accumulation, heightening risks for marine ecosystems and coastal areas. Elevated ocean temperatures also lead to rising sea levels and more severe weather events, while warmer waters struggle to absorb carbon dioxide, worsening climate change.
Key facts
- Global average sea-surface temperature hit 21.1°C on August 22.
- Record measured by Copernicus, tracking daily since 1979.
- Previous record was 21.09°C in March 2024.
- El Niño in tropical Pacific combines with climate change.
- Samantha Burgess of Copernicus commented on human-driven warming.
- Higher ocean temperatures increase sea level rise and extreme weather.
- Warmer oceans absorb less CO2.
Entities
Institutions
- Copernicus
- European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts