Context:
Global daily Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) reached record June levels in 2026, according to Copernicus climate services. The rise is linked to strengthening El Niño conditions and may indicate the beginning of widespread marine heatwaves.
Explanation:
- Sea Surface Temperature (SST) refers to the temperature of the upper layer of ocean water and is a key indicator of ocean and climate conditions.
- Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) monitor global climate and ocean data.
- El Niño is the abnormal warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean and is part of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.
- Warmer oceans release more heat and moisture into the atmosphere, increasing chances of cyclones, extreme rainfall, floods and heatwaves.
- Marine Heatwaves are periods when ocean temperatures remain much above normal for days or weeks.
- They damage coral reefs, fisheries, marine biodiversity and coastal economies.
- Ocean warming also contributes to thermal expansion of seawater, sea-level rise, ice melt and ecosystem stress.
Source: (The Indian Express, The Hindu, Live Mint)
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