The world's oceans recorded their highest average sea surface temperature for any July last month, reaching 20.96C between 60 degrees north and 60 degrees south latitude, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service. The figure exceeds the previous record of 20.89C set in 2023 and was partly attributed to developing El Niño conditions in the Pacific.
Global ocean surface temperatures set new July record, EU climate service reports
The world's oceans recorded their highest average sea surface temperature for any July last month, reaching 20.96C between 60 degrees north and 60 degrees south latitude, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service. The figure exceeds the previous record of 20.89C set in 2023 and was partly attributed to developing El Niño conditions in the Pacific.
Last month was the joint second-warmest July globally on record, with temperatures 1.47C above the estimated pre-industrial average, Copernicus reported. The world is now approximately 1.4C warmer on average than it was in the late 19th century.
Sea surface temperatures in July reached record highs along Europe's Atlantic coast and in the western Mediterranean, contributing to what Copernicus described as widespread strong and severe marine heatwaves. Temperatures in much of the tropical Pacific also remained exceptionally high as El Niño conditions developed and were forecast to strengthen in coming months.
El Niño is a natural weather pattern in the Pacific that, combined with human-driven global warming, can cause temperature spikes and more extreme weather. Scientists say the phenomenon may temporarily push global temperatures even higher.
Oceans absorb most of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions and produce half of Earth's oxygen, according to the source. Thermal expansion of warming seawater accounts for roughly a third of sea level rise recorded by scientists to date, affecting low-lying coasts and island nations. Hotter seas are also associated with longer and more intense marine heatwaves, mass coral bleaching, losses to kelp forests and fisheries, and more intense tropical storms carrying heavier rainfall.
Western Europe experienced its hottest June and July on record. The average temperature across the region for those two months was 21.62C, which is 2.79C above average. France, Spain, parts of Germany, and the UK recorded exceptionally low rainfall and soil moisture, with soil moisture levels significantly lower than during the severe drought of 2022.
River levels across the region were described as much lower than average, with the Seine, Rhine, and Danube among those particularly affected. Low river flows were said to increase pressure on water supplies, irrigation, aquatic ecosystems, river transport, and energy production.
Prolonged hot and dry conditions contributed to major wildfires across western Europe in July. Copernicus described the area burned and the smoke and emissions generated as representing 'exceptional activity.' Larger fires inject smoke higher into the atmosphere, allowing it to travel greater distances, meaning countries with relatively few wildfires could be increasingly affected.
In England and Wales, July was recorded as the driest since records began 190 years ago, according to the Met Office. Large parts of England and all of Wales have been officially declared in drought, and the Environment Agency warned that more areas of England could receive that designation if dry conditions persist.
The UK was also reported to be facing its fifth heatwave of the year at the time of publication.
The Met Office's latest climate assessment found that the hottest day of the year in southern England is now 4.5C warmer than it was between 1961 and 1990.
- The source does not specify the precise methodology or margin of error used by Copernicus to calculate the sea surface temperature record.
- The source does not identify which year July 2026 ties with for the joint second-warmest July globally on record.
- The source does not detail what specific areas of England or Wales have been officially declared in drought.
- The source does not quantify the total area burned by wildfires in western Europe in July.
- The source does not include any response or position from government bodies regarding drought declarations, wildfire response, or climate policy.
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