Ocean surface temperatures reach record high in July

Scientists have reported that global ocean surface temperatures reached their highest ever recorded level in July. Measurements showed temperatures were nearly 1°C above the historical average. In the tropical Pacific, the water was around 6°C warmer than normal.

This follows a previous record set in June 2023, which was followed by severe heatwaves, floods, and storms around the world. Oceans absorb about 90% of the heat that greenhouse gases produce, and ocean temperatures have risen roughly 1°C over the past century.

Warmer oceans cause sea levels to rise and damage coral reefs. Scientists expect more temperature records in the coming months because an El Niño weather pattern is currently active. One area of the North Atlantic has shown cooler temperatures, possibly because ocean circulation patterns are changing.