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World’s oceans hit hottest temperature on record in August

The Guardian UK Monday 24 August 2026, 12:49 UTC By Damian Carrington Environment editor 1 min read
Key Points

Average sea surface temperature outside polar regions was 21.1C on Saturday, latest data findsThe 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.

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.

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