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Oceans Near Record Heat in March as El Nino Looms, Warns Climate Agency

Global sea surface temperatures in March 2026 reached their second-highest level on record, closely approaching the peaks seen during the last major El Nino event. Climate centers forecast a likely transition to El Nino conditions in the latter half of 2026, which could further drive up global temperatures and extreme weather. The month itself was the world's fourth-warmest March on record, with Europe experiencing its second-warmest March and the Arctic seeing record-low sea ice extent. These converging data points indicate a climate system under intensifying pressure, according to scientists.

Key Points: March 2026 Sea Temperatures Near Record High, El Nino Odds Rise

  • Sea temps second-highest for March
  • El Nino transition forecast for late 2026
  • March 2026 was fourth-warmest globally
  • Europe had second-warmest March
  • Arctic sea ice at record low
2 min read

Sea temperatures near record in March as El Nino odds rise: Climate agency

Global sea surface temperatures hit second-highest March level, nearing 2024's El Nino peak. Experts warn of accelerating climate pressure.

"Each figure is striking on its own -- together, they paint a picture of a climate system under sustained and accelerating pressure. - Carlo Buontempo"

Brussels, April 10

Global sea surface temperatures rose to their second-highest level on record in March and edged closer to the peaks seen during the last El Nino episode, the European Union's climate monitor said Friday, suggesting the climate may be entering a new warming phase later this year.

Average sea surface temperature over the extra-polar oceans, spanning 60 degrees south to 60 degrees north, reached 20.97 degrees Celsius in March, the second-highest level on record for the month, behind only March 2024 during the previous El Nino event, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).

Daily sea surface temperatures increased steadily throughout the month and approached the record levels observed in 2024, it said.

Copernicus added that many climate centers are forecasting a transition from neutral conditions to El Nino in the second half of 2026. The weather pattern, marked by warming surface waters in the equatorial Pacific, can drive up global temperatures and intensify extreme weather in some regions.

March 2026 was also the world's fourth-warmest March on record, with the global average surface air temperature standing 1.48 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial (1850-1900) level, C3S said.

The month saw Europe experience its second-warmest March on record and much of the continent witnessed drier-than-average conditions following a colder-than-average and exceptionally wet February.

March was also marked by severe heat and dry conditions in other parts of the world, including an unprecedented early heatwave and drier-than-average conditions in parts of the United States and Mexico. In the Arctic, both the annual maximum sea ice extent and the March average reached their lowest levels on record.

"Copernicus data for March 2026 tells a sobering story," said Carlo Buontempo, director of the C3S at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. "Each figure is striking on its own -- together, they paint a picture of a climate system under sustained and accelerating pressure."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Another El Nino? Just when we thought we were getting a break. Last time it caused water shortages and crop damage across Maharashtra and Karnataka. Government should start preparing contingency plans NOW for agriculture and water management. 🚨
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David E
Living in Mumbai, the sea feels warmer every year. The Arabian Sea warming is a direct threat to our coastal cities. We need better urban planning for heat resilience and to protect our mangroves. This data should be a wake-up call for every coastal corporation.
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Ananya R
While the data is alarming, I respectfully think the focus is too much on future predictions. What about the current suffering? Delhi is already hitting 40°C in April. We need immediate local solutions—more green cover, sustainable cooling, and public awareness.
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Karthik V
The Arctic ice record low is a global problem, but it will affect our Himalayan glaciers too. The Ganges and Brahmaputra depend on them. It's all connected. Time for serious international cooperation, not just blame games between developed and developing nations.
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Sarah B
As someone who works in renewable energy, I see both the challenge and the opportunity. India has massive potential in solar and wind. We need to accelerate this transition faster than the climate is changing. The economic and health benefits would be huge for our cities. 🌞

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