Ocean surface temperatures reached a new record high on June 21, surpassing the temperatures recorded during the same period in 2023 and 2024, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. This warming surge coincides with a forecasted strong El Niño event, which experts warn could disrupt global weather patterns and marine ecosystems.
Why are ocean temperatures rising so quickly?
The primary driver of this warming is the massive accumulation of heat within the Earth’s system. Oceans absorb more than 90% of the excess energy caused by human activities, specifically the burning of fossil fuels like oil, coal, and gas.
This energy imbalance reached a record 23 zettajoules last year. That figure is more than double the average recorded over the previous two decades. Because the oceans act as a massive heat sink, surface temperatures are influenced by a combination of solar radiation, water currents, and heat building up in the deeper layers of the sea.
While land temperatures often dominate news headlines, scientists argue that ocean temperatures provide a more complete picture of how human-caused warming is pushing the climate out of balance.
The oceans don’t just get warmer; they absorb the vast majority of the planet’s excess heat. Without the oceans absorbing over 90% of this energy, atmospheric temperatures would be significantly higher than they are today.
What impact will El Niño have on these temperatures?
The current temperature spike is expected to coincide with the early phases of an El Niño event. Experts forecast this could be one of the strongest El Niño cycles in decades. This intersection of record ocean heat and El Niño creates a high risk for extreme weather.
Carlo Buontempo, the director of Copernicus at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, warned that this could mark the start of a new phase for the climate. “With ocean temperatures at these levels and El Niño on the horizon, we are likely to see more temperature records fall in the coming months,” Buontempo stated.
Previous years have shown the danger of these trends. When the June ocean record was set in 2023, scientists described the data as “worrying,” “terrifying,” and “bonkers” because the numbers fell so far outside expectations. That period preceded a cycle of devastating heatwaves, floods, and storms globally.
How much heat is being added to the sea?
The rate at which heat is entering the ocean is accelerating. Data shows a stark increase in the energy being absorbed by the water compared to just a few years ago.
- 2020: The amount of heat added to the oceans was equivalent to approximately five Hiroshima bombs every second.
- Last Year: The rate increased to nearly 11 Hiroshima explosions per second.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has addressed the severity of these shifts, stating that “Earth is being pushed beyond its limits.”
Recent temperature anomalies
The warming isn’t limited to the open ocean. Recent months have seen significant temperature shifts across various regions:
- Europe: The UK and several other European nations recently experienced record-breaking heat.
- Antarctica: The continent saw unprecedentedly mild winter conditions.
Scientists noted it is still too early to determine if this specific sea surface heating is temporary. Annual temperature peaks are typically registered during July and August, meaning the coming weeks will provide more clarity on the trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the record ocean temperatures?
The warming is primarily driven by the buildup of excess energy in the Earth system, mostly caused by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.
How does El Niño affect weather?
El Niño can influence global weather patterns, often leading to increased instances of extreme heat, storms, and flooding.
Who monitors these ocean temperatures?
The Copernicus Climate Change Service, which is part of the EU’s space programme, provides the data and monitoring for these trends.
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