Global ocean temperatures reached a record high for July last month, driven by severe heatwaves across Western Europe and strengthening El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Average sea surface temperatures across non-polar regions reached 20.96°C, surpassing the previous July record of 20.89°C set in 2023.
Europe experienced widespread strong to severe marine heatwaves, particularly along the Atlantic coast and western Mediterranean. Meanwhile, sea temperatures in the tropical Pacific are expected to remain exceptionally high as El Niño conditions strengthen in the coming months.
Western Europe also experienced an intense heatwave during June and July, with temperatures averaging 2.79°C above normal. Low rainfall has contributed to severe drought conditions, sharply reducing river levels and putting additional pressure on water supplies, agriculture and energy production.
The warming oceans and worsening drought are also expected to affect fisheries and agriculture. Marine heatwaves can damage critical ecosystems such as kelp forests and cause mass die-offs among species including lobsters, crabs, shellfish and oysters. Farmed fish and shellfish are also vulnerable to warmer, oxygen-depleted waters.
The continued rise in ocean temperatures highlights the growing impact of climate change on marine ecosystems, food production and coastal communities.
