The World Oceans warmer than ever before

In June, the world’s oceans were warmer than ever before. According to researchers, temperatures may rise further in the coming months.

Average sea surface temperatures in the world’s oceans reached 20.9 degrees in June, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Service. The previous records were set in 2023 and 2024. Furthermore, it is likely that a strong El Niño event could further drive up global warming in the oceans and the atmosphere during the second half of 2026 and into next year.

´Current conditions may indicate the start of a new phase, which once again takes us into uncharted territory,´ said Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo in a statement.

The oceans play a crucial role in the world’s climate as they absorb around 90 per cent of the excess heat caused by humanity’s emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.