Overview
- Two independent Copernicus systems — the Climate Change Service (C3S) and the Marine Service (CMEMS) — independently reported a global mean sea surface temperature of about 20.86–21.0°C for a daily peak this month.
- The 21 June reading, obtained by Copernicus from satellites, ships and buoys, exceeded June records set in 2023 and 2024 and reflects both a sustained background warming trend and short-term El Niño influence.
- Copernicus said ocean temperatures for the region between 60°S and 60°N have been roughly 0.35–0.73°C above the 1979 baseline over the past three years, underlining that the June peak is part of a broader warming pattern.
- Higher sea surface temperatures raise the amount of heat and moisture available to the atmosphere, which can strengthen storms, boost evaporation that increases flood risk, raise sea level through thermal expansion, and stress marine life and fisheries.
- Officials cautioned it is not yet clear whether the excess is temporary or persistent but said that with current ocean warmth and El Niño conditions it is likely that temperature records will be broken again in the coming months.