Ocean Hits Record High Temperature

Scientists have recorded the highest temperature in the world's ocean history.

Consensus

• The global average sea surface temperature reached 21.1°C on August 22.
• This is the highest temperature ever recorded in the history of observations.
• The previous record was 21.09°C, set in March 2024.
• The increase is linked to the El Niño phenomenon and long-term anthropogenic warming.
• The rise in ocean temperature contributes to sea level rise and extreme weather events.
• The measurement was conducted by the Copernicus climate monitoring program.

Points of divergence

• The record was set on August 22, and researchers note that unusually high temperatures in August are particularly concerning because peak global temperatures typically occur in March and April, after the Southern Hemisphere's summer. — tg_theinsider
• The temperature rise is described as especially alarming because it occurred before summer in the Southern Hemisphere. — tg_bbcrussian

Coverage (2 sources)

• Scientists recorded the highest temperature in the history of observations in the world's oceans — The Insider
• In the world ocean — the highest temperature in the history of observations. And summer has not yet arrived in the Southern Hemisphere — BBC News Русская служба

Key entities

• Southern Hemisphere
• Copernicus
• European Service Measurements