France, July 1 -- Global average sea surface temperatures reached 20.98C in June, breaking the previous records set in 2023 and 2024, the European Union's Copernicus Marine Service said.

The first six months of 2026 averaged 20.04C, just below the record set during the same period in 2024.

Scientists said the developing weather pattern could add more heat to both the oceans and the atmosphere through the rest of 2026 and into next year. Uncharted territory

"Current conditions could indicate the beginning of a new phase, leading, once more, to uncharted territory," Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the EU's climate monitor, said in a statement.

"With ocean temperatures at these levels and El Nino on th...