A new record has been set for the surface temperature of the world’s oceans. Current readings are already higher than the anomalies recorded during the same period in 2023 and 2024. This was reported by The Guardian, citing data from the European climate monitoring service Copernicus.
According to official data, on June 21, the surface temperature of the ocean beyond the polar regions exceeded the historic high for this time of year. Climate scientists warn that this could have negative consequences for weather patterns, the global climate, and the health of marine ecosystems. Further concern is raised by the forecast for the El Niño phenomenon, which may become one of the most intense in recent decades.
The previous record was set in June 2023, after which a wave of extreme heat, floods, and storms swept across the globe. That benchmark has now been surpassed as well.
Oceans absorb over 90% of the excess heat in the Earth’s climate system, with fossil fuels remaining the primary source of this heat. The most alarming aspect is that ocean warming continues to accelerate.
However, scientists believe it is too early to draw definitive conclusions, as peak ocean surface temperatures are typically recorded in July and August.
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