Global oceans break June temperature record with fears they’re headed into ‘uncharted territory’

Key Points:

• Global sea surface temperatures reached a record high for June on June 21, hitting 69.5°F (20.86°C), surpassing the previous record set earlier in 2024, according to data from Europe's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
• The abnormal ocean heat is primarily driven by the onset of El Niño, a natural climate pattern causing unusually warm waters in the tropical Pacific, which may intensify into one of the strongest events in decades.
• Human-driven climate change exacerbates this warming, as oceans absorb 90% of the excess heat from fossil fuel emissions, contributing to the rapid rise in sea surface temperatures.
• Experts warn that these unprecedented temperatures could signal the start of a new phase of ocean warming, with potential for more record-breaking heat in the coming months, raising concerns about future climate impacts.
• Warmer oceans have significant effects on global weather, including fueling heat waves, intensifying storms, and increasing evaporation, which can lead to extreme rainfall and flooding.