India, Aug. 10 -- Global sea surface temperatures (SST) in July 2026 outside the polar regions were the highest on record for the month, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) implemented by the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). This was partly caused by the strengthening El Nino conditions in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean.

July was also the second warmest on record on a global scale, with western Europe experiencing its hottest June-July period on record, continuing an extended period of heat waves, dry conditions, reduced soil moisture and consequent wildfires in the summer season of 2026.

The average SST for oceans between 60degN and 60degS latitudes in July was 20.96degC, breaking the previ...