Overview
- Copernicus reported that the global daily average sea-surface temperature reached 21.1°C on 22 August, the highest value in the satellite-era record that begins in 1979.
- The new daily peak narrowly surpassed the previous record of 21.09°C from March 2024 and follows July's record monthly average of 20.96°C recorded by Copernicus.
- Copernicus experts and climate researchers say long-term warming from greenhouse-gas emissions is being amplified by a strengthening El Niño that forecasters expect to push ocean temperatures higher in the short term.
- Data show the number of global marine-heatwave days has more than tripled since the early 1990s, and warmer seas are already driving coral bleaching, shifting fish stocks, and reducing the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
- Forecast agencies warn the strengthening El Niño makes further SST rises likely in coming months, which could intensify storms, increase heavy rainfall and floods, and heighten economic risks for fisheries and coastal communities.