Global sea surface temperatures are approaching record highs as El Niño conditions develop, with April 2026 recording the second-highest temperatures ever, close to 2024 records. Scientists warn this shift, combined with long-term climate change, could make 2027 the hottest year on record, following high-temperature records in April.
Global sea surface temperatures are approaching record highs as El Niño conditions develop, with April 2026 recording the second-highest temperatures ever, close to 2024 records. Scientists warn this shift, combined with long-term climate change, could make 2027 the hottest year on record, following high-temperature records in April.
Key Findings (as of May 2026):
Oceans Near Records: -
April 2026 sea surface temperatures (SST) were the second-highest on record, nearing 2024 highs.
El Niño Emergence: -
A transition from neutral to El Niño conditions is underway, with a potentially strong event predicted for later in the year.
Widespread Impact: -
Marine heatwaves are intensifying, particularly in the tropical Pacific, U.S. coasts, and Mexico.
Long-Term Warming:-
The ocean heat, partly driven by 90% of excess human-caused heat, occurs against a backdrop of long-term climate change.
Hottest Year Potential: -
Experts warn a strong El Niño could make 2027 the warmest year, surpassing 2024.
The Copernicus report highlighted that this warming increases the risks of drought and wildfires in Europe and already affects agriculture elsewhere.
April 2024 was the warmest April on record, and April 2025 was the second warmest. Warming waters. In April, the daily average SST in the extra-polar global .
MJF Lion ER YK Sharma
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