Global ocean surface temperatures have reached a new record for June, CNN reported, adding another clear sign of how much heat is being stored in the world’s seas. On June 21, average sea surface temperatures outside the polar regions reached 69.5 degrees Fahrenheit, or 20.86 degrees Celsius, base d on data from Europe’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. CNN also cited Copernicus Marine Service data showing sea temperatures near 69.38 degrees Fahrenheit, passing the previous June record set in 2024. The ocean heat is linked to both long-term human-driven warming and the developing El Niño pattern, which is marked by unusually warm waters in the tropical Pacific. Scientists are watching closely because warmer oceans can affect weather across the globe. Hotter seas can help fuel stronger storms, increase evaporation, raise the risk of extreme rainfall, and add stress to marine life. Coral reefs are especially vulnerable when ocean temperatures stay unusually high. Researchers have not yet said whether this June record is temporary or part of a longer shift, but the data adds to growing concern about the pace of ocean warming. ...read more read less