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World’s oceans hit hottest temperature on record in August

The global ocean surface temperature reached a record high of 21.1°C on August 22, driven by human-caused climate change and a developing El Niño. This warming threatens food security, fisheries, coral reefs, and marine life, while altering global weather patterns. The peak occurred months earlier than typical global ocean temperature peaks.

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What changed

Researchers found that El Niño events have become 40% stronger over the last 40 years compared to the preindustrial era, based on coral records.

Live updates

  1. World's oceans hit record high temperature in August

    The global ocean surface temperature reached a record high of 21.1°C on August 22, driven by human-caused climate change and a developing El Niño. This warming threatens food security, fisheries, coral reefs, and marine life, while altering global weather patterns. The peak occurred months earlier than typical global ocean temperature peaks.

    Why it matters

    El Niño events have become nearly 40% stronger in the last 40 years than they were in the preindustrial era. Coral records show that El Niño episodes are intensifying as the planet warms, carrying major implications for a future under climate change. The current El Niño is expected to have significant effects on global weather patterns.

    What is confirmed

    • El Niño events have become nearly 40% stronger in the last 40 years than they were in the preindustrial era.
    • Coral records show El Niño episodes are intensifying as the planet warms.
    • The global ocean surface temperature reached a record high of 21.1°C on August 22.

    Still unconfirmed

    • This year may see a 'super' El Niño due to warming ocean waters.

    What to watch next

    • Further strengthening of the El Niño Southern Oscillation
    • Impact on global weather patterns and marine life
    • September temperature readings
    Sources used for this update (9)
    1. Phys.org — El Niños have been more intense over the last 40 years than in the previous 1,000 years, coral records reveal
    2. www.gmanetwork.com — Corals show El Niño intensifying as planet warms — study
    3. www.theatlantic.com — This El Niño Will Be Unlike Any in the Past Eight Decades
    4. www.yahoo.com — The summer that won't end
    5. www.kclu.org — With global water temperatures hitting a record high, this year may see 'super' El Niño
    6. minutemirror.com.pk — Do not destroy the world
    7. www.capetownetc.com — Western Cape warned to prepare for hotter weather
    8. www.yahoo.com — Heat wave inbound; hottest of the year this week
    9. uk.news.yahoo.com — Karina strengthens into a Category 4 hurricane in the Pacific Ocean far from land, forecasters say
    confidence 95%

  2. World's oceans hit record-high temperature on August 22

    The global ocean surface temperature reached a record high of 21.1°C on August 22, driven by human-caused climate change and a developing El Niño. This warming threatens food security, fisheries, coral reefs, and marine life, while altering global weather patterns. The peak occurred months earlier than typical global ocean temperature peaks.

    Why it matters

    Rising ocean temperatures have significant implications for ecosystems, weather events, and human livelihoods. Climate change and El Niño are contributing factors to this warming trend. The consequences of record-high ocean temperatures are far-reaching, affecting not only marine life but also global weather patterns and human societies.

    What is confirmed

    • Global ocean surface temperatures reached a record 21.1°C on August 22.
    • The warming is driven by human-caused climate change and the formation of a strong El Niño.
    • The peak occurred months earlier than typical global ocean temperature peaks.

    What to watch next

    • Further developments in El Niño and its impact on global weather patterns
    • Continued monitoring of ocean temperatures and marine ecosystems
    • Assessment of the effects on food security, fisheries, and coral reefs
    Sources used for this update (8)
    1. www.cnbctv18.com — Global ocean temperatures hit record high in August: Why it matters for India and the world
    2. www.straitstimes.com — Highest-ever ocean temperature measured as super El Nino forms
    3. www.wpbf.com — 'The ocean is not supposed to do this': Earth is simmering in its hottest water temps on record
    4. www.yahoo.com — Global ocean heat breaks record months after its usual peak
    5. www.forbes.com — Record-Breaking Ocean Temperatures Recorded For Month Of August
    6. southfloridareporter.com — Record Ocean Heat and El Niño Are Setting the Stage for Wild Winter Weather
    7. www.niagara-gazette.com — Earth is simmering in its hottest water temps on record, and that's bad for fish and us
    8. www.latimes.com — Highest-ever ocean temperature measured as powerful El Niño forms
    confidence 100%

  3. Global Ocean Temperatures Hit Record High in August

    World oceans reached their highest temperature ever recorded on August 22, hitting an average of 21.10 degrees Celsius (69.98 degrees Fahrenheit). Data from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service indicates this peak occurred months earlier than typical global ocean temperature peaks. This warming is driven by human-caused climate change and the formation of a strong El Nino. The heat threatens food security, fisheries, coral reefs, and general marine life while altering global weather patterns.

    Why it matters

    Ocean temperatures can remain stable for millennia, making this breach significant for climate modeling. The current warming is exacerbated by a "super" El Nino event. These conditions directly impact marine ecosystems and human reliance on the sea for food.

    What is confirmed

    • Average ocean temperatures reached a record 21.10 degrees Celsius on August 22.
    • The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service provided the temperature data.
    • A strong El Nino and human-caused climate change are driving the temperature increase.
    • The record heat threatens marine life, coral, and food security.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The previous temperature record may have stood for millennia.
    • A "super" El Nino is forming.

    What to watch next

    • Updates on the peak intensity of the El Nino event
    • New data on coral bleaching rates following the August peak
    • Official reports on fisheries productivity declines linked to the heat
    Sources used for this update (14)
    1. The Washington Post — The ocean just broke a temperature record that may have stood for millennia
    2. The Guardian — World’s oceans hit hottest temperature on record in August
    3. San Francisco Chronicle — Earth’s oceans just broke a heat record. The implications will be massive
    4. Bloomberg — Highest-Ever Ocean Temperature Measured as Super El Niño Forms
    5. Baton Rouge Business Report — Roundup: Super El Niño forms / Oil trades lower / Google Docs hacked
    6. BBC — World's oceans hit highest temperature on record as El Niño grows
    7. Scientific American — Earth’s oceans just hit their hottest temperature ever recorded
    8. AP News — Earth is simmering in its hottest water temps on record, and that’s bad for fish and us
    9. www.scientificamerican.com — Earth's oceans just hit their hottest temperature ever—it's only going to get worse
    10. www.thehindubusinessline.com — World’s oceans simmer at record heat, threatening marine life and food security
    11. www.aol.co.uk — World’s oceans hit hottest temperature on record in August
    12. www.yahoo.com — Earth’s oceans just hit their hottest temperature ever recorded
    confidence 95%