Global ocean surface temperatures reach a new record, with the daily global average sea-surface temperature hitting 21.1°C on August 22, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The new value edges out the previous absolute record of 21.09°C, and also surpasses an August 2023 high. The figure is based on systematic satellite-era observations that began in 1979.
Several outlets report that the spike occurs unusually late in the year, since global sea-surface temperatures typically peak in March and April rather than late August. Copernicus and the reporting outlets link the warming to both long-term human-driven ocean warming and the development of a strong El Niño in the tropical Pacific, which tends to add heat to the ocean and atmosphere. Coverage differs mainly in emphasis: some outlets focus on the record-breaking number, while others highlight the timing and the role of a “super” El Niño and describe the situation as putting ocean systems under strain.
Overall, all sources attribute the record to Copernicus satellite-based monitoring and present El Niño plus background climate change as the main contributors to the unusually high late-August temperatures.
