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Global sea surface temperatures hit record high of 21.1°C
Global sea surface temperatures reached a new daily record of 21.1°C on August 22, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. This figure surpasses the previous record of 21.09°C set in March 2024.
Experts note the timing of this record is unusual, as ocean temperatures typically peak in March and April. The current spike is attributed to the combined effects of a strengthening El Niño event in the tropical Pacific and long-term warming caused by human-driven climate change.
Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, stated that the ocean is under growing stress. The intensification of El Niño is expected to continue, with temperatures potentially reaching levels not seen for several decades. This warming trend poses significant risks to marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and contributes to rising sea levels.
Entities
Copernicus Climate Change Service · European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts · Pacific Ocean · Samantha Burgess · World Meteorological Organization
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Global marine heatwave days have more than tripled since the beginning of the 1990s www.revistasustentavel.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The current El Niño event could reach intensity levels not observed for several decades independentpress.cc
- [● 2 SOURCES] El Niño is contributing additional heat to an ocean already warming due to human-driven climate change www.revistasustentavel.pt · independentpress.cc
- [● 3 SOURCES] The record temperature was reached in August rather than the typical March-April peak www.revistasustentavel.pt · independentpress.cc · www.gandul.ro
- [● 4 SOURCES] The new record of 21.1°C surpasses the previous high of 21.09°C set in March 2024 www.revistasustentavel.pt · independentpress.cc · lat.sputnikportal.rs · www.gandul.ro