El Niño Is Still Strengthening. The Ocean Is Already Breaking Records
Summary
The world's oceans have reached their highest average surface temperature on record due to a strengthening El Niño, a natural climate pattern. This heat increase adds to long-term human-caused warming and poses risks to marine life and coastal communities.Key Facts
- The global average ocean surface temperature reached 21.1°C (about 70°F) on August 22, 2026, setting a new record.
- This breaks the previous record of 21.09°C, which was set in March 2024.
- El Niño causes warmer waters in the Pacific Ocean and contributes to higher ocean temperatures worldwide.
- Ocean temperatures outside polar regions have been consistently higher than average over the past three years.
- El Niño events occur every 2 to 7 years and affect weather patterns globally.
- NOAA predicts a very strong El Niño is likely through fall and winter 2026-2027.
- Marine heatwaves have more than tripled since the 1990s, stressing ocean ecosystems and people living near coasts.
- The recent ocean heat records highlight ongoing climate change impacts combined with natural climate cycles.
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.
