Global sea surface temperature breaks records in June, Copernicus indicates

Global sea surface temperatures have broken records for June, surpassing levels previously set in 2023 and 2024, according to the latest data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and the Copernicus Marine Service (CMEMS).

Daily SST data recorded by C3S exceeded 2024 levels on June 21, reaching 20.86°C, slightly higher than the 20.83°C observed in 2023 and 2024. The CMEMS also reported record temperatures on the same day, hitting 21°C, which is 0.1°C above previous records from 2023 and 2024.

Carlo Buontempo, director of C3S, warned that current conditions might signal the start of a new phase, potentially leading to "uncharted territory" once again. He noted that with ocean temperatures at these levels and the El Niño phenomenon on the horizon, "we are likely to see temperature records broken in the coming months."

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The current conditions could indicate the start of a new phase that leads us, once again, into uncharted territory.

The Copernicus data supports environmental protection policies, though it remains uncertain whether these elevated temperatures are temporary or indicative of future trends. For the past three years, global ocean waters have been 0.35°C to 0.73°C above the long-term average, with June anomalies reaching record levels for this period.

This unprecedented warming reflects both climate change and an El Niño event that is expected to reach significant intensity. The higher temperatures contribute to a warmer atmosphere, fuel storms with additional energy, and increase evaporation, raising the risk of extreme precipitation and floods. It also contributes to sea-level rise, ice melt, and puts pressure on marine ecosystems.

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We are likely to see temperature records broken in the coming months.