Environment & Climate
Global ocean surface temperatures reach record high in August, Copernicus data shows
Average ocean surface temperatures outside polar regions peaked at 21.1°C, driven by long-term warming and a developing El Niño.
The short version
- Average sea surface temperatures outside the polar regions reached a record high of 21.1°C on Saturday.
- Scientists attribute the surge to long-term climate change combined with an intensifying El Niño weather pattern.
- The spike threatens marine ecosystems, weather stability, and the oceans' capacity to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Key facts
- Data from the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service showed global ocean surface temperatures outside polar regions reached an average of 21.1°C on Saturday, setting a new record since satellite monitoring began in 1979.[The Guardian]
- More than 90% of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases from human activity is absorbed by the world's oceans.[The Guardian]
- According to Copernicus, global marine heatwave days have more than tripled since the early 1990s.[The Guardian]
- Ocean surface temperatures typically peak globally in March and April following the southern hemisphere's summer, making an August record unusual.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The full magnitude of the current El Niño event and its ultimate impact on global sea temperatures remain to be determined as the event continues to develop.[The Guardian]
Sources
- World’s oceans hit hottest temperature on record in AugustThe Guardian - Environment