EU monitor says sea temperatures near all-time highs as El Nino looms
The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that sea surface temperatures in April were the second-highest on record, nearing 2024 highs, as conditions shift toward a potentially strong El Niño event. Scientists warn this El Niño, combined with long-term global warming, could push 2027 into the hottest year ever recorded, with extreme weather risks like droughts and marine heatwaves intensifying globally.
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reported Friday that ocean temperatures are approaching all-time highs, with daily sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in April ranking as the second-highest ever recorded. Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at ECMWF, stated that conditions are transitioning toward a potentially powerful El Niño, which could push temperatures back to record-breaking levels within days. Copernicus, the EU’s climate monitoring service, noted that marine heatwaves have already shattered records in the tropical Pacific and off the U.S. coast. April’s global temperatures averaged 1.43°C above pre-industrial levels, marking the third-hottest April on record, while Arctic sea ice remained near historic lows. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) previously indicated that El Niño conditions could develop as early as May to July. This natural climate cycle, driven by Pacific Ocean warming, amplifies global weather extremes, including droughts and heavy rainfall, while adding heat to an already warming planet. The last El Niño contributed to 2023 and 2024 becoming the second- and first-hottest years recorded, respectively. Scientists caution that while El Niño alone does not drive the current ocean warmth, it exacerbates long-term trends caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Oceans absorb around 90% of excess heat from human activity, fueling extreme events like coral bleaching and marine heatwaves. Burgess warned that even if this El Niño is not exceptionally strong, its effects—particularly in 2027—could surpass 2024’s record temperatures. Europe faces heightened risks of drought and wildfires this summer, as April’s varied conditions set the stage for further warming. Burgess emphasized the accelerating impact of climate change, noting that extreme events are becoming increasingly frequent and severe.
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