Global sea surface temperatures reached the highest level on record in July 2026, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The average sea surface temperature (SST) between 60 degrees north and 60 degrees south was 20.96C, exceeding the previous record of 20.89C established in July 2023. The agency attributed the temperature rise to a combination of human-driven global warming and the development of El Niño, a natural weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean that is expected to strengthen in the coming months.
The reported ocean warming coincided with record-breaking heat and drought conditions across western Europe. The region experienced its hottest June and July on record, with an average temperature of 21.62C, which is 2.79C above the historical average. Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, stated that persistent high-pressure systems and dry soils, which reduce natural cooling, contributed to the extreme temperatures.
In addition to heat, western Europe faced significant water shortages. France, Spain, the UK, and parts of Germany reported exceptionally low rainfall and soil moisture. Major rivers, including the Seine, Rhine, and Danube, recorded lower-than-average water levels, affecting river transport and irrigation. The UK Met Office reported that England and Wales experienced their driest July in 190 years, leading to official drought declarations in large parts of the territory.
The warming of the oceans carries broader consequences for global environmental systems and marine-dependent industries. Oceans produce half of the world's oxygen and regulate climate by absorbing greenhouse gas emissions. However, warmer waters absorb less carbon dioxide, which researchers indicate leaves more planet-warming gas in the atmosphere. Commercial and recreational fishers may notice shifts in marine ecosystems as species move to cooler waters, which can disrupt established food chains and local catch availability. Furthermore, the intensified heat has fueled "exceptional activity" in wildfires across western Europe, creating smoke and emissions that can travel long distances, affecting air quality for populations far from the fire sites.
Looking ahead, the Copernicus Climate Change Service forecasts that El Niño conditions will continue to strengthen in the coming months, which may lead to further temperature spikes. In the UK, the Met Office has warned that a fifth heatwave is expected this week, potentially worsening the ongoing water shortage. Long-term data from the Met Office suggests a shift in the regional climate, noting that the hottest day of the year in southern England is now 4.5C warmer than the 1961–1990 average. As of August 2026, the world is approximately 1.4C warmer on average than the late 19th-century average.