What Happened: Record Heat Records in the Oceans
There has never been a July as hot as this in scientific records for the Earth's oceans. According to data from the Copernicus climate monitoring service of the European Union, July 2026 became the hottest July ever recorded in the oceans outside the polar regions, with an average sea surface temperature of 20.96°C, surpassing the previous record of 20.89°C in 2023.
These exceptional heat records were observed in much of the tropical Pacific, an area where El Niño conditions are present and are expected to intensify further in the coming months. In Europe, records of high sea surface temperatures along the Atlantic and Western Mediterranean were associated with strong or severe marine heatwaves, affecting coastal communities and ecosystems.
Why It Matters: Global and Regional Impacts
The global average air temperature in July 2026 was the second highest ever recorded, at 16.9°C, just 0.7°C above the July average for the period 1991-2020 and 1.5°C above the estimated average for the pre-industrial period 1850-1900. These numbers indicate continued warming of the planet, with significant implications for human health, ecosystems, and economies.
In Europe, despite the heatwaves that swept through several countries, the average air temperature last month was 20.5°C, the 11th highest ever recorded for July. However, the average temperature in Western Europe was 21.6°C, the highest on record, nearly 2.8°C above average, which, combined with low humidity, made the climate drier and more prone to wildfires.
The Mechanism Behind the Warming: Climate Science
Ocean warming is directly related to the increase in global temperature, as oceans absorb about 90% of the excess heat generated by the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This warming not only affects sea surface temperature but also has implications for ocean circulation, sea levels, and the formation of extreme climate events, such as El Niño.
The intensification of El Niño, expected in the coming months, is likely to ensure new historical heat records until the end of the year and possibly in 2027, according to Carlo Buontempo, program director of Copernicus. This suggests that the planet is facing a cycle of continued warming, with El Niño playing a significant role in this process.
Broad Context: Trends and Precedents
Record heat records in the oceans and air are part of a broader trend of global warming. The historical series of global temperatures shows a consistent increase in annual average temperatures, with the last years being the warmest on record.
Attribution studies, such as those conducted by the global network of climate scientists World Weather Attribution (WWA), show that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events, such as heatwaves and wildfires. This highlights the importance of understanding and mitigating the underlying causes of global warming.
What's Next: Implications and Challenges
In the face of these record heat records and the prospect of a large-scale El Niño, it is crucial that global and regional communities be prepared to face the challenges associated with global warming. This includes implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting and restoring natural ecosystems, and promoting sustainable agricultural and urban practices.
Furthermore, international cooperation and the sharing of knowledge and technologies will be essential to address the global impacts of climate change. The scientific community, governments, and the private sector must work together to develop innovative and effective solutions to this global challenge.
Source / Reference
This article was based on information available at https://climainfo.org.br/2026/08/10/oceanos-registram-segundo-mes-consecutivo-de-calor-recorde/. We thank ClimaInfo for providing this information.