Ocean heat records broken as hottest July temperature recorded
Summary
In July, the world's oceans hit their highest recorded temperatures, partly due to El Niño conditions combined with global warming. Western Europe experienced its hottest June and July on record, with droughts and wildfires affecting several countries.Key Facts
- The average ocean temperature between 60° north and 60° south was 20.96°C in July, breaking the previous record from 2023.
- El Niño is a natural weather event in the Pacific that, when combined with climate change, can cause higher temperatures and extreme weather.
- July 2026 was the joint second warmest July on Earth, with global temperatures 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Sea temperatures along Europe’s Atlantic coast and western Mediterranean reached record highs, causing marine heatwaves.
- Western Europe had its hottest June and July ever, causing droughts and extreme wildfires in France, Spain, Germany, and the UK.
- Several major rivers like the Seine, Rhine, and Danube recorded very low water levels due to drought.
- Oceans absorb most of the heat from greenhouse gases and produce half of Earth’s oxygen. Warmer oceans absorb less carbon dioxide, increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
- Climate experts say climate change is making heatwaves and droughts worse, which in turn increase the risk of wildfires.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
