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Oceans Hit Record Heat: El Nino Looms
11 May
Summary
- April ocean temperatures were the second highest on record.
- Models predict a strong El Nino event developing soon.
- Global air temperatures were third highest for April.
Global ocean temperatures in April approached unprecedented levels, reaching 21°C, making it the second-warmest April on record. This alarming heat, just shy of the 2024 record, signals rapid ocean warming associated with the approaching El Nino climate pattern. Seasonal models indicate a strong El Nino event could emerge between May and July, potentially becoming one of the most powerful on record.
Global air temperatures also reflected this warmth, with April recording the third-highest average temperature, 1.43°C above pre-industrial levels. Significant regional variations exist, with Spain experiencing its warmest April, while parts of eastern Europe were colder. In the Arctic, sea ice extent remained critically low, continuing a year-long trend. The North Indian Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, is also showing warmer-than-average temperatures, impacting regions like India with predictions of harsher summers and weaker monsoons.
