Turkey and Global Oceans Hit Record Temperatures Amid Rising Heat

Long‑term data show that Turkey’s seas have warmed markedly over the past five decades. Average air and water temperatures rose from 12.7 °C (1970‑80) to 14.4 °C (2014‑25). Sea‑surface temperatures in the Mediterranean increased by about 1.3 °C, reaching 22.3 °C in the 2014‑25 period, while the Aegean and Marmara seas rose 0.8 °C and 2.2 °C respectively. Similar warming was recorded in the Black Sea.

At the same time, global ocean temperatures have broken successive records. The worldwide average sea‑surface temperature reached approximately 21.03 °C, surpassing the previous record by 0.08 °C, and logged 50 consecutive record‑high days. By 21 July, the global ocean temperature peaked at 21.11 °C, driven by a strong El Niño event that amplifies extreme weather, sea‑level rise, and ecological stress.

These trends underscore accelerating climate change, with hotter oceans increasing the risk of severe heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall, and further marine ecosystem strain.