Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the north Atlantic have been fairly consistent in breaking daily records. Based on records since 1981, when global satellite observations began, daily SST anomalies in the region have been higher than the previous 42 years since the first week of March 2023.
So far this month, SSTs in the north Atlantic ocean have been approximately 0.5C higher than the previous warmest daily surface temperatures recorded in June. Typically the daily average SST in the north Atlantic peaks towards the end of August, so climate scientists and forecasters are keeping an eye on this trend.
Record-breaking SSTs have not been limited to the north Atlantic. Since the end of March, the daily global average SST has been warmest since records began, peaking at 21.2C (70.2F) at the start of April – surpassing the previous record of 21C in March 2016. Currently, the daily global average SST is 20.9C, about 0.2C higher than the previous record in June.
These higher than normal global average SSTs are linked to the developing El Niño, which results in warmer than average SSTs across central and eastern parts of the tropical Pacific Ocean.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is indicating that this El Niño is likely to continue through the upcoming winter with an 84% chance of it being at least moderate strength, although with a 56% chance of becoming strong during its peak between November and January.
While El Niño contributes to the global average SST trend, some climate scientists are suggesting that concentrations of windblown Saharan dust over the tropical north Atlantic being at a 20-year low this June are partially to blame for the local SSTs; typically, higher concentrations will block incoming solar radiation.
In Iceland, some air temperature records have been broken, with them being close to 28C at two locations: Egilsstaðaflugvöllur (27.9C) and Hallormsstaður (27.8C). They are the highest temperatures ever recorded within Iceland before the summer solstice.
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