Global sea surface temperatures reach a record high, again
Global average sea surface temperatures outside polar regions reached 21.1°C (69.98°F) on Aug. 22, according to data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The reading exceeded the previous record set in March and has raised concerns about possible effects on global Earth systems.
Global average sea surface temperatures outside polar regions reached 21.1°C (69.98°F) on Aug. 22, according to new data released by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.
The reading exceeded the previous record set in March. The data has raised concerns about global Earth systems.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What conditions contributed to the temperature record reported on Aug. 22?
How long did temperatures remain at or near the record level?
Which regions accounted most for the global average?
What effects, if any, were observed following the record?
What uncertainty surrounds the data or its interpretation?
YOUR QUESTION
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · AUGUST 2026