Average global sea surface temperatures have reached their highest level on record as an intensifying El Niño combines with long-term human-driven climate warming to put increasing pressure on the world’s oceans.
According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, global sea surface temperatures reached 21.1°C on August 21 and 22, narrowly surpassing the previous record of 21.09°C recorded in March 2024.
The timing of the new record is particularly notable because global ocean temperatures typically reach their annual peak in March or April, towards the end of the Southern Hemisphere summer. This year, however, the record was reached in August.
El Niño expected to strengthen further
Scientists say the developing El Niño is adding additional heat to an ocean system already warmed by decades of climate change.
El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern characterised by unusually warm waters in parts of the Pacific Ocean. It can influence weather patterns around the world and temporarily push global temperatures higher.
The World Meteorological Organization expects the current El Niño to strengthen over the coming months, while Copernicus forecasts indicate that the event could reach levels not seen for several decades. Its peak is expected sometime between November and January.
Copernicus noted that long-term human-driven warming has already increased ocean temperatures by around 0.8°C, meaning the additional warming from El Niño is occurring on top of an already elevated baseline.
Why warmer oceans matter
Rising ocean temperatures can have consequences far beyond hotter seawater.
As water warms, it expands, contributing to sea-level rise. Higher temperatures can also increase the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves, putting coral reefs, seagrass beds and other marine ecosystems under stress.
Damage to these ecosystems can disrupt marine food chains and affect industries that depend on healthy oceans, including fishing and aquaculture.
Warmer oceans are also less effective at absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, potentially weakening one of the planet’s major natural mechanisms for limiting climate change.
Potential impact on extreme weather
Higher sea temperatures can provide additional heat and moisture to the atmosphere, creating conditions that can increase the potential for extreme weather events.
Scientists say the latest record is another indication of the growing stress facing the world’s oceans as natural climate patterns such as El Niño interact with the longer-term effects of global warming.
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