Environment News

Global Ocean Temperature

September 2 , 2026 9 hrs 0 min 77 0

The global daily average sea surface temperature reached a record 21.104°C on August 22, 2026, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
The extra-polar ocean (60°S–60°N) recorded the temperature, slightly exceeding the previous record of 21.09°C set on March 1, 2024.
The August record is unusual because global ocean temperatures normally peak during March and April; the previous highest August value was 20.98°C in 2023.
The El Niño developing in the tropical Pacific is adding heat to oceans already warmed by long-term human-driven climate change.
On August 22, 1979, the same ocean region averaged 20.15°C, nearly 1°C cooler than in 2026.
Warmer oceans can contribute to sea-level rise, marine heatwaves, coral and seagrass damage, stronger rainfall and storms, and reduced ocean absorption of carbon dioxide (CO₂).