European weather agencies have revealed that the average global sea surface temperature has risen to an all-time high, driven by the increasingly intense El Niño phenomenon.
Foreign news reported on 24 Aug 2026 that the latest data from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service shows the global average sea surface temperature (excluding polar regions) has soared to 21.1 degrees Celsius, the hottest ever recorded, surpassing the previous record of 21.09 degrees Celsius set in March 2024 GMT+7.
Normally, global sea temperatures peak in March-April, marking the end of the Southern Hemisphere summer, but this new record was set in August, causing significant concern among scientists.
Experts state that El Niño brings warm waters to the Pacific Ocean surface and is expected to intensify through the end of the year; this could be the strongest El Niño in centuries, potentially pushing temperatures even higher.
The oceans absorb over 90% of the excess heat from human-generated greenhouse gases, mainly from fossil fuel combustion, which is the fundamental cause of the continuous rise in sea temperatures over recent decades.
This situation is not limited to the Pacific; other waters, such as the western English Channel, have faced marine heatwaves lasting over three years, with temperatures up to 7 degrees Celsius above normal in July.
Experts warn that warmer seas accelerate storm intensity, increase moisture, and reduce cool sea breezes, intensifying coastal heatwaves. Additionally, expanding warm water raises sea levels, heightening coastal flooding risks.
Rising sea temperatures severely impact marine habitats, especially causing coral bleaching, and place pressure on communities dependent on fishing for their livelihoods.
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Source:bbc