Global Sea Temperatures Break Record Despite Seasonal Cooling Period
What Happened
The average surface temperature of the world's extra-polar oceans reached 21.1°C on August 22, the highest daily level recorded since modern records began in 1979. The milestone is particularly unusual because ocean temperatures normally peak around March-April, not August when they typically begin cooling.
Key Takeaways
Scientists say the record reflects the combined impact of a strengthening El Niño and long-term human-driven climate change. Warmer oceans can intensify storms, accelerate sea-level rise, weaken the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, and increase marine heatwaves, which have more than tripled since the early 1990s.