Latest

World’s oceans hit hottest temperature on record in August

The Guardian UK · 24 August 2026 at 13:49

World’s oceans hit hottest temperature on record in August

Average sea surface temperature outside polar regions was 21.1C on Saturday, latest data finds The world’s oceans were hotter than ever previously recorded on Saturday, according to the latest data.

The average surface temperature was 21.1C, with the rising marine heat a stark indicator of the climate crisis.

More than 90% of the heat trapped by carbon dioxide from fossil fuel burning enters the oceans.

The Guardian’s climate forum 2026 On Tuesday 20 October, join Damian Carrington, and our panel of experts – including Professor Andy Haines, Katie White MP, Asad Rehman, Shruti Suresh Gareth Thomas and Amy Fairman for a hopeful and solutions-focused evening.

Book tickets here or at guardian.live Continue reading...

Read the full article on The Guardian UK ›

5News aggregated this summary from the outlet’s public feed. The full article, with all the context, is on www.theguardian.com — the content belongs to The Guardian UK.

World’s oceans hit hottest temperature on record in August

More from The Guardian UK

Twelve people arrested after A66 crash that killed seven including two police officers

Why does the New York Times keep calling the left ‘divisive’?

Which eco-friendly laundry detergents actually clean your clothes? I put 11 to the test

Breakout indie band Westside Cowboy on rejecting tech and loving imperfection: ‘We’re not hermits!’

More in Latest

England's Carse unavailable for Lord's Test after nightclub incident

Former world snooker champion Dott found guilty of child sex abuse

What has gone wrong for Pakistan cricket with 'alarm bells ringing'?

Is Norris now Antonelli's biggest title threat?

Carabao Cup second round: 11 PL teams are in - watch EVERY match live

Saints skipper Hastings gets three-game ban for punch