Global ocean temperatures hit record high as El Nino threat grows
Global sea surface temperatures reached an unprecedented level in June 2026, according to the European Union's Copernicus Marine Service. Scientists warn that the developing El Nino phenomenon could push both ocean and atmospheric temperatures even higher in the coming months, increasing the risk of more extreme weather events worldwide.
Global ocean temperatures climbed to their highest June level on record in 2026, underscoring the continuing impact of climate change on Earth's oceans. Data released by the European Union's Copernicus Marine Service showed that the average global sea surface temperature reached 20.98 degrees Celsius in June, surpassing previous records set in 2023 and 2024.
Record temperatures raise climate concerns
The latest figures also showed that the average sea surface temperature during the first six months of 2026 stood at 20.04 degrees Celsius. While slightly below the record recorded during the same period in 2024, scientists noted that prolonged marine heatwaves persisted across large parts of the world's oceans throughout the first half of the year.
Researchers say warming oceans are a key indicator of global climate change, influencing weather systems, marine ecosystems and long-term environmental stability.
El Nino expected to intensify warming
Climate experts warned that the developing El Nino event in the Pacific Ocean could further accelerate both ocean and air temperatures during the remainder of 2026. Copernicus Climate Change Service Director Carlo Buontempo said current conditions may signal the beginning of another period of exceptional global warmth.
"With ocean temperatures already at these levels and El Nino approaching, further temperature records in the coming months appear increasingly likely," Buontempo said.
UN warns of a deepening ocean crisis
A scientific report released by the United Nations last month also highlighted the growing pressure on the world's oceans, describing the situation as a "deepening crisis" driven by rising temperatures and sea levels.
Oceans absorb roughly 90% of the excess heat generated by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, making them essential to regulating the global climate. However, warmer seas also increase atmospheric moisture, fueling heavier rainfall, stronger tropical cyclones and accelerating sea level rise through thermal expansion. Extended marine heatwaves can also trigger widespread coral bleaching and significant damage to marine biodiversity.
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