World's oceans hit record-high July temperatures

July 2026 witnessed the hottest average sea surface temperatures ever recorded in the world's oceans, excluding polar regions. The EU's climate monitoring service reported an average of 20.96°C, surpassing the previous record of 20.89°C set in 2023. This marked the joint second-warmest July globally, with temperatures 1.47°C above pre-industrial averages.

Western Europe endured its most extreme heatwave in June and July, exacerbating wildfires across the region. The UK braced for its fifth heatwave of the year, with water supplies under further strain and potential drought declarations.

El Niño conditions in the Pacific, combined with human-induced global warming, contributed to these record temperatures. El Niño, a natural weather pattern, can intensify temperature spikes when paired with global warming.

Oceans absorb most of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, absorbing half of Earth's oxygen. Ocean warming leads to sea level rise and intensifies marine heatwaves, affecting coral reefs, kelp forests, and fisheries.

Western Europe's persistent high-pressure systems trapped heat, while dry soils reduced natural cooling. France, Spain, Germany, and the UK experienced exceptionally low rainfall and soil moisture. River levels were much lower than average, straining water supplies, irrigation, ecosystems, and energy production.

Wildfires burned extensively across western Europe, with prolonged dry conditions facilitating large, high-intensity fires. The UK faced its driest July on record, prompting drought declarations in parts of England and Wales. The Met Office predicts the climate of the 20th century has now disappeared.