July 2024 saw the second-highest global sea surface temperature on record, falling just short of July 2023, which holds the top spot. Sea surface temperatures were 0.98°C above the 1991-2020 average, slightly below the previous year’s record of 1.01°C. This marked the end of a 15-month streak of record-warm sea surface temperatures, a trend that has been contributing to the surge in global warming over the past year.
The significance of this trend lies in its impact on climate and ecosystems. Warmer sea surface temperatures have intensified global warming, influencing weather patterns and marine ecosystems. These elevated temperatures have fueled stronger hurricanes and led to more extreme precipitation events. Additionally, ocean heat has caused widespread coral bleaching, which threatens marine biodiversity.
July 2024 Records Second-Highest Global Sea Surface Temperature, Highlighting Ongoing Ocean Warming TrendJuly’s temperature anomaly was primarily influenced by the development of a La Niña event in the tropical Pacific, characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in that region. Despite this cooling in the Pacific, most of the world’s oceans remained unusually warm. The slight reduction in temperature was enough to halt the record-breaking streak, but the broader trend of ocean warming remains concerning.
Despite the slight dip in sea surface temperatures, the overall buildup of heat within the oceans continues to increase. Oceans, especially at depths of up to 2,000 meters, are absorbing around 90% of the excess heat generated by human-induced climate change. This deep ocean heat absorption is critical in understanding long-term climate impacts, as it contributes to the warming of the planet.
Although July 2024 did not set a new record, the persistent increase in ocean heat highlights the broader issue of global warming. The oceans’ role in absorbing excess heat from the atmosphere continues to exacerbate climate change, with profound effects on weather patterns, marine ecosystems, and the future trajectory of global temperatures.