Global sea surface temperatures reach record high for June
Data from the Copernicus program indicates that ocean surface temperatures reached a record average of 20.98 degrees Celsius in June. Reports attribute these figures to the combined effects of El Niño and ongoing climate change.
Amalgamated from Times of India (opens in new tab), France 24 (opens in new tab), NDTV (opens in new tab), Phys.org (opens in new tab), Al Jazeera (opens in new tab), France 24 (opens in new tab)
Data provided by Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth-observation programme, shows that global sea surface temperatures reached unprecedented levels during the month of June. According to reports from France 24, average temperatures hit approximately 21 degrees Celsius, a figure higher than any previously recorded for this month.
The Times of India reported the specific mean temperature as 20.98 degrees Celsius. Both news outlets noted that these records indicate an increase in ocean heat that has been monitored by international scientific bodies.
Contributing factors
Both the Times of India and France 24 attribute the spike in sea surface temperatures to two primary drivers: the El Niño climate phenomenon and ongoing global climate change. The combination of these factors has resulted in what reports describe as a record-breaking period for ocean heat.
The Copernicus data provides a comprehensive overview of temperature trends across various regions, allowing scientists to track how these warming patterns affect marine environments.
Why this matters
Rising sea surface temperatures can impact marine biodiversity and influence global weather patterns. These records are used by scientists to monitor the progression of climate change on oceanic systems and assess its long-term effects on coastal communities.
What's confirmed / what isn't
Multiple reports from both France 24 and the Times of India confirm the record-breaking nature of June’s sea surface temperatures and the roles played by El Niño and climate change. The specific mean temperature of 20.98 degrees Celsius is cited as a primary data point for the month.
Background
Copernicus is an Earth-observation program that provides essential data for monitoring environmental changes in Europe and globally. El Niño is a recurring climate pattern characterized by the warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, which can disrupt global weather patterns.