Copernicus says March 2026 was the fourth-warmest globally and sea temperatures were near record highs
The Facts
- Copernicus said March 2026 was the fourth-warmest March recorded globally.
- Copernicus reported that March 2026 was 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Average global sea surface temperature in March 2026 was 20.97°C.
- March 2026 had the second-warmest global sea surface temperature on record for the month.
- Copernicus said the sea surface temperature pattern reflected a likely transition toward El Niño conditions.
- Multiple meteorological agencies have forecast a return or development of El Niño later in 2026.
- Sources describe El Niño as a natural climate cycle that warms Pacific waters and can raise global temperatures and contribute to extreme weather.
Context
What did Copernicus say about March 2026 temperatures?
Copernicus said March 2026 was the fourth-warmest March globally and that global surface air temperature was 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels Hindustan Times,La Repubblica,@businessline.
Why are sea surface temperatures drawing attention?
Copernicus said average sea surface temperature reached 20.97°C in March, the second-highest March value on record and the hottest since 2024, suggesting conditions are moving toward El Niño Prothomalo,GMA Network,National Herald.
Why does a possible El Niño matter?
Several sources say El Niño is a natural climate cycle that warms parts of the Pacific and can push global temperatures higher while increasing the risk of extreme weather; agencies including the WMO have forecast a shift toward El Niño later this year Deutsche Welle,Straits Times,CNA.
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