Global sea surface temperatures reach a record high, again

The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that global sea surface temperatures hit 21.1°C on Aug. 22, topping the previous record set in March 2024. Global ocean heat content also reached a new high, part of a trend the report says has seen the last four years rank as the hottest on record for sea surface temperatures.

Scientists tied to the report warn of consequences including sea-level rise, more intense marine heatwaves, stress on coral reefs and seagrass, and threats to fisheries and food security. Researcher Samantha Burgess noted marine heatwave days have more than tripled since the early 1990s, with a strengthening El Niño adding further heat on top of decades of warming.

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