Scientists are warning that record-breaking ocean temperatures measured in June could contribute to more intense heat waves in the months ahead, as experts continue to monitor the effects of a warming climate and the expected arrival of El Niño.
According to NBC News, two scientific services operating under the European Union’s Copernicus Earth observation program independently confirmed that global ocean surface temperatures outside the polar regions reached the highest June levels ever recorded.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that ocean surface temperatures reached 20.86 degrees Celsius (69.54 degrees Fahrenheit) on June 21, slightly exceeding previous records set in 2023 and 2024. The Copernicus Marine Service also recorded a new high of 21 degrees Celsius (69.8 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing earlier records by 0.1 degree Celsius.
Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, said the findings may signal a significant shift.
“With ocean temperatures at these levels and El Niño on the horizon, we are likely to see more temperature records fall in the coming months,” Buontempo said in a statement. He also warned that the world could be entering “uncharted territory.”
According to NBC News, El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern that periodically warms waters in the tropical Pacific Ocean, often influencing weather around the world. Scientists say its arrival alongside already elevated ocean temperatures could increase the likelihood of prolonged heat and additional weather extremes.
Richard Allan, a professor of climate science at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, told NBC News that the trend is consistent with decades of scientific observations.
“It’s consistent with what we’ve known for a long time — that the planet is warming because we’re emitting vast quantities of greenhouse gases, primarily from fossil fuel burning, into the atmosphere and that’s stifling the ability of the planet to lose its heat to space,” Allan said.
Because the world’s oceans absorb more than 90 percent of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases, rising sea temperatures are considered one of the clearest indicators of long-term climate change. Allan also noted that the emerging influence of El Niño is contributing to current conditions.
Oceanographer Pierre-Yves Le Traon, scientific director of Mercator Ocean International, emphasized the importance of continued monitoring and responsible stewardship of the environment.
According to NBC News, Le Traon said it is essential to continue using available tools to monitor ocean temperatures while working to “adapt” and “reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.” He added, “It’s really worrying to see this trend.”
The new data comes as dangerous heat is expected across large portions of the United States during the Independence Day holiday period. According to the National Weather Service, more than 46 million Americans were under extreme heat alerts on Wednesday, with temperatures forecast to climb into the upper 90s and above 100 degrees in some locations.
Europe has also experienced severe heat in recent weeks. According to NBC News, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said more than 1,300 excess deaths had been recorded since June 21 that were “linked to high temperatures in Europe.” France’s health ministry also reported approximately 1,000 more deaths than expected during a recent week of extreme heat.
For Catholics, the growing concern over environmental changes echoes the Church’s longstanding call to care for creation. While scientific agencies continue studying the causes and effects of rising global temperatures, the Church encourages the faithful to practice responsible stewardship of God’s creation while praying for those most vulnerable to extreme weather and natural disasters.
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