World's Oceans Hit Record High Temperatures in June, Scientists Warn

PARIS: The world’s oceans experienced their hottest June on record and could set fresh highs in the months ahead as El Nino and climate change drive temperatures even higher, scientists said Wednesday.

Global average sea surface temperatures in June were 20.98°C, beating the previous records of 2023 and 2024, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Marine Service.

Average sea temperatures in the first half of the year were 20.04°C, slightly below the high set in the same period in 2024. And scientists said the onset of a potentially powerful El Nino weather pattern could boost global heat in the oceans and atmosphere even further in 2026 and into next year.