The world's oceans experienced their highest June temperatures on record, the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service reported on July 1, 2026. The average global sea surface temperature for June 2026 was 20.9°C, surpassing the previous record set in June 2024.
This marks the 14th consecutive month of record-high ocean temperatures, driven by a combination of climate change and the El Niño weather pattern. The North Atlantic, in particular, saw extreme warming, with temperatures up to 1.5°C above average in some areas.
Scientists warn that warmer oceans can lead to more intense hurricanes, coral bleaching, and disruptions to marine ecosystems. The Copernicus data, based on satellite observations and ocean measurements, confirms a long-term warming trend, with ocean heat content increasing steadily over the past decades.
The record comes as global leaders prepare for the next UN climate summit, highlighting the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Copernicus report underscores that ocean warming is a key indicator of climate change, as oceans absorb about 90% of the excess heat from human activities.
