What changed
2026-07-27 01:19 UTC → 2026-08-23 20:42 UTC ·
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June 2026 saw global sea‑surface Global sea-surface temperatures reach a new high of reached unprecedented levels in mid-2026. In June, temperatures hit 20.98 °C, surpassing the previous June record. This was followed by a prolonged period record-breaking streak of over 50 consecutive days where global average ocean temperatures remained near 21 °C that lasted over 50 consecutive days—the longest streak on record. °C. By late 21 July, the warming intensified: global average sea‑surface temperature rose to roughly 21.03 °C, breaking the previous record by 0.08 °C, and temperatures peaked at about approximately 21.11 °C on 21 July, °C, driven by a strong El Niño event. Regional analyses highlighted event and greenhouse-gas emissions. July 2026 tied with 2024 as the broader impact second warmest July on record, with average temperatures 1.47 °C above pre-industrial levels. During the first half of the heat. Long‑term observations year, approximately 82% of the world's oceans experienced marine heatwave conditions. Notable extremes occurred in the tropical Pacific, the Atlantic near Europe, and the western Mediterranean. Regional impacts include significant warming in Turkey’s seas showed seas. Long-term data shows air and water temperatures climbing rose from 12.7 °C in the 1970‑80s 1970-80s to 14.4 °C in 2014‑25. 2014-25. Mediterranean sea‑surface temperatures rose by about 1.3 °C to 22.3 °C, while the Aegean and Marmara seas warmed 0.8 °C and 2.2 °C respectively; similar trends were noted in the Black Sea. °C, respectively. Scientists link the warn that these sustained oceanic heat to ongoing greenhouse‑gas emissions temperatures increase risks of severe heatwaves, tropical cyclones, and sea-level rise. In response to the amplifying effect threat of El Niño, warning that hotter oceans increase coral bleaching, researchers at the likelihood Hawaiʻi Institute of severe heatwaves, altered precipitation patterns, heightened tropical‑cyclone activity, sea‑level rise, Marine Biology and added stress on marine ecosystems worldwide. the University of Hawaiʻi are investigating assisted evolution strategies, such as selective breeding, to help coral populations adapt to warmer waters.