Amid marine heatwaves: Oceans reach record high temperatures

The world’s oceans have hit all-time high temperatures with marine heatwaves occurring around the world.

Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows that ocean surface temperatures have averaged 21.1°C since April started.

This sets a new record high, crossing the 21°C degrees seen in 2016.

Satellite observations show there are active marine heatwaves around the world, including the South Atlantic, southern Indian Ocean, and the Pacific off the western US coastline.

The arrival of an El Niño pattern this year will exacerbate this, with generally warmer waters in the Pacific. An El Niño event also coincided with the 2016 record.

La Niña, bringing cooler waters, has prevailed for the previous three years, suppressing temperatures.

The planet’s oceans absorb up to 90% of excess heat released by the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and the impact of greenhouse gases.

As ocean temperatures rise, there is a direct impact on our weather. Warmer waters help to fuel more intense storm systems, with one study suggesting every degree of warming producing a 140% increase in rainfall.

Additionally, the ever-warming oceans also expedite melting ice, worsening sea level rise, and directly impacting the health of sea life including precious coral reefs.