Why are global temperatures trending in the news?
Recent data shows September 2026 was the second-warmest September on record globally [1]. This trend is linked to an exceptionally strong El Niño event and record-breaking sea surface temperatures in the Pacific [1, 2].
What happened
- September 2026
Global surface air temperatures were more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels [1].
- September 2026
Sea surface temperatures in the extra-polar ocean hit a record high for the month [1].
- Earlier
Weekly sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific reached the highest levels ever recorded [2].
What you need to know
September 2026 marked the second month in a row where temperatures exceeded pre-industrial levels by over 1.5°C [1].
The central-eastern Pacific saw daily sea temperatures higher than those during the 2015 El Niño [2].
Some tropical Pacific waters surpassed 30°C for the first time [2].
El Niño is expected to reach its peak in December [2].
It is not yet confirmed if climate change is causing El Niño events to happen more often or become more intense [2].
Background
El Niño is a natural cycle occurring every two to seven years that releases ocean heat into the air, typically making the world warmer [2].
Current warming is influenced by both this natural phenomenon and human-caused climate change, which makes comparing current events to the past more difficult [2].
The current event is described by some climatologists as unprecedented, affecting the Gulf of Mexico and wide areas of the Pacific [2].
Questions people ask
How warm was September 2026 in Europe?
It was the third-warmest September on record for Europe and tied for the warmest for western Europe [1].
What are the risks of the current El Niño?
The World Meteorological Organization has reported food security issues in the Asia-Pacific and East Africa, along with floods and droughts [2].
Where this came from
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.