Kathmandu— The world’s oceans are experiencing unprecedented strain as average global sea surface temperatures reached a record high of 21.1 degrees Celsius (69.98 Fahrenheit) on Friday and Saturday, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. This surpasses the previous record set in March 2024 and is attributed to a combination of human-caused climate change and a rapidly intensifying El Niño phenomenon, which temporarily warms parts of the Pacific Ocean and impacts global weather patterns. The new high was recorded in August, earlier than the typical peak months of March and April, signaling an accelerating trend with far-reaching consequences for marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

Record Temperatures Confirmed

Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed that sea surface temperatures reached 21.1 degrees Celsius on August 18th and 19th, exceeding the previous record of 21.09C set earlier this year. Samantha Burgess, the strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), described the record as “another clear signal of an ocean under growing stress.” The timing of the new high is particularly notable, as ocean temperatures typically peak in March and April after the Southern Hemisphere summer.

El Niño’s Intensifying Impact

The current El Niño event is expected to strengthen in the coming months, potentially reaching levels not seen for several decades. Copernicus seasonal forecasting systems indicate this trend will continue, adding heat on top of existing warming caused by decades of human activity. Burgess explained that oceans will likely continue to warm until the peak of the current El Niño, anticipated between November and January. The World Meteorological Organization also forecasts a strengthening of the event in the coming months.

Consequences for Marine Life and Climate

Rising ocean temperatures have significant consequences beyond just record highs. Copernicus warns that warmer oceans contribute to sea-level rise through thermal expansion and increase the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves, damaging vital ecosystems like coral reefs and seagrass beds. This disruption impacts food chains and threatens industries reliant on healthy oceans, such as fishing and aquaculture. Furthermore, warmer waters are less effective at absorbing carbon dioxide, weakening a crucial natural defense against climate change.

Expert Concerns

Jane Lubchenco, an oceanographer and former head of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, described the findings as “very troubling.” She warned that such warm temperatures destabilize weather patterns and pose threats to food security, economic stability, and marine life. “An ocean this warm is not our friend,” Lubchenco told The Associated Press.

The continued warming of oceans poses a significant challenge for global climate stability and marine ecosystems, with experts anticipating further increases in temperature as the current El Niño event progresses.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.