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Marine Heatwaves Hit 82% of Oceans, June Record 20.98°C

7/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Marine heatwaves covered 82% of the world’s oceans in the first half of 2026, the second-largest extent.
Copernicus Marine Service reported global average sea surface temperature of 20.98 °C in June 2026, a June record.
The Mediterranean Sea logged June at 24.3 °C, with 98% of the basin in heatwave.
Scientists Carlo Buontempo and Simon Van Gennip warned that El Niño and greenhouse-gas emissions could raise ocean temperatures later in 2026 and 2027.

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Story summary

Marine heatwaves covered 82% of the world’s oceans in the first half of 2026, the second-largest extent.
Copernicus Marine Service reported global average sea surface temperature of 20.98 °C in June 2026, a June record.
The Mediterranean Sea logged June at 24.3 °C, with 98% of the basin in heatwave.
Scientists Carlo Buontempo and Simon Van Gennip warned that El Niño and greenhouse-gas emissions could raise ocean temperatures later in 2026 and 2027.