The sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean has risen to an unusually high level of 29.70 degrees Celsius, while experts have expressed concerns that new global heat records could also be set in 2027 due to the effects of El Niño and climate change.
According to a news agency, the European Union’s climate monitoring service, Copernicus, reported that the sea surface temperature in Niño 3.4, a key region of the Pacific Ocean, reached a record 29.70 degrees Celsius during September. This level is even higher than the highest temperatures recorded during the powerful El Niño periods of 1982-83, 1997-98 and 2015-16.
According to Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo, the El Niño that emerged in June this year is unusual in nature. However, he said it would be premature to declare it the strongest El Niño in history.
He said that climate change has already raised ocean temperatures, making it difficult to directly compare current and past El Niño events.
What Is El Niño and Why Does It Increase Global Temperatures?
El Niño is a climate phenomenon involving a natural increase in sea surface temperatures in the equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean. It generally occurs every two to seven years and can last for approximately nine to 12 months. During this period, the heat accumulated in the ocean is transferred into the atmosphere, which can lead to an increase in global temperatures.
According to Copernicus, an assessment using a new methodology has shown that the current El Niño has not yet proved more powerful than previous events. However, its intensity is considerable. Experts say the effects of this phenomenon often become more prominent in the following year after it reaches its peak.
How Likely Is It That New Global Heat Records Will Be Set in 2027?
Carlo Buontempo said that, based on past climate trends, there is a possibility that new global heat records could be set in 2027, following 2026. However, this will depend on the future intensity of El Niño and other climatic factors.
According to Copernicus data, the average global sea surface temperature in September was recorded at 21.05 degrees Celsius, exceeding the previous record of 20.92 degrees Celsius set in the same month in 2023.
Furthermore, following record-breaking heat in August, September became the second-hottest September on record, with the average near-surface air temperature recorded at 16.27 degrees Celsius.
Experts have warned that the combined effects of El Niño and climate change caused by human activities could increase the risks of extreme heat, droughts and floods in different parts of the world.