Oceans reach hottest temps on record – scientists are ‘really worried’

Global sea surface temperatures reached record highs over the weekend and are expected to keep rising, according to a report by the Independent.

Data from Europe’s Copernicus climate service showed temperatures hit 21.1°C on Friday and Saturday, surpassing the previous record set in March 2024. Scientists attributed the spike to human-induced climate change combined with an intensifying El Niño, expected to peak between November and January.

Experts warned the warming threatens marine ecosystems, fisheries and food security, while also worsening heatwaves on land. Coral populations have already declined sharply, though some species show greater resilience to warming waters.