World's oceans hit hottest ever recorded temperature of 20.96C after soaking up the warmth from climate change

The oceans have hit their hottest ever recorded temperature as they soak up warmth from climate change. According to the EU's climate change service, the average daily global sea surface temperature beat a 2016 record this week as it reached 20.96C. That is far above the average for this time of year.

The broken temperature record follows a series of marine heatwaves this year



including in the UK, the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Oceans are a vital climate regulator. They soak up heat, produce half Earth's oxygen and drive weather patterns. Hotter oceans and heat-waves disturb marine species like fish and whales as they move in search of cooler waters, upsetting the food chain.