World's oceans hit record-high July temperatures

The world's oceans recorded the hottest July temperatures on file in 2026, according to the EU's climate monitoring service. The average sea surface temperature (SST) outside polar regions reached 20.96C, surpassing the previous high of 20.89C, set in 2023. July 2026 also marked the second warmest July globally, with temperatures 1.47C above the pre-industrial average.

Western Europe faced its hottest June and July on record, exacerbating extreme wildfires across the region. The UK braced for its fifth heatwave of the year, with persistent dry weather straining water supplies and potentially declaring more areas in drought. Sea surface temperatures in July hit record highs along the Atlantic coast and in the western Mediterranean, contributing to widespread strong and severe marine heatwaves.

El Niño, a natural weather pattern in the Pacific, is developing and forecast to strengthen, potentially causing further temperature spikes and extreme weather. El Niño, combined with human-driven global warming, can lead to significant temperature increases and more intense climate events. Oceans, as climate regulators, absorb most of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions and produce half of Earth's oxygen.

The warming oceans contribute to sea level rise, coastal flooding, and disruptions to marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and fisheries. In Western Europe, record-breaking temperatures in June and July led to exceptionally low rainfall and soil moisture, creating favorable conditions for wildfires. The UK recorded its driest July since 190 years of records began, prompting drought declarations in England and Wales. Scientists warn that extreme heat and drought are becoming the new normal due to climate change.