European climate experts have raised concerns over rapidly increasing ocean temperatures, warning that the world’s seas are approaching record-breaking heat levels once again.

Recent observations from the European Union’s climate monitoring agencies show that sea surface temperatures across the globe remain exceptionally warm and are only slightly below the highest levels ever recorded. Scientists believe another global temperature record could be broken within weeks if the warming trend continues.

Samantha Burgess, a senior climate official at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, said the continuous rise in ocean temperatures reflects significant changes occurring in Earth’s climate system. She noted that May could potentially become another record-setting month for marine heat.

According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, April marked the second-warmest ocean temperature ever measured globally. Intense marine heatwaves were especially noticeable across parts of the Pacific Ocean and along regions near North America, contributing to unusual weather patterns and climate instability.

At the same time, the World Meteorological Organization has warned that El Niño conditions may begin developing between May and July. El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon linked to warming waters in the Pacific Ocean, often triggering droughts, floods, storms, and other extreme weather conditions worldwide.

Climate researchers say the warming cannot be blamed on El Niño alone. Human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and long-term global warming are playing a major role in pushing temperatures even higher. Experts believe the combined effect of these factors contributed to 2023 and 2024 becoming the warmest years ever recorded.

Some forecasting models suggest the upcoming El Niño event could grow particularly strong, possibly matching powerful episodes seen decades ago.

Berkeley Earth scientist Zeke Hausfather stated that if El Niño intensifies significantly, there is an increased chance that 2027 could become the hottest year in recorded history.

Although scientists are still uncertain about the exact strength of the developing El Niño, Burgess emphasized that its effects are likely to be felt across the globe. She also explained that the strongest impacts of El Niño often continue even after the event reaches its peak.

Climate experts further noted that the unusual rise in sea temperatures during March and April may already signal the beginning of the El Niño transition. However, they stressed that the current climate crisis is being driven not only by natural weather cycles but also by continued dependence on fossil fuels.

Data released for April showed that the planet’s average temperature was around 1.43 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels. In addition, Arctic sea ice has dropped close to historic lows, adding to concerns about accelerating global climate change.