Global Oceans Near Record Heat in April, Raising El Niño Concerns
April 2026 marked one of the hottest months on record for both land and sea temperatures, with global oceans reaching their second-highest average sea surface temperature for April, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The average sea surface temperature was recorded at 21°C (69.8°F), with parts of the tropical Pacific experiencing marine heatwaves. Global temperatures were 1.43°C above pre-industrial levels, nearing the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. Scientists warn that these conditions could signal the onset of a powerful El Niño event later this year, which may exacerbate global heat and extreme weather patterns. The warming oceans, which have absorbed over 90% of excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions since 1970, are intensifying storms, disrupting ecosystems, and altering weather patterns worldwide. 
