Global sea surface temperatures outside the polar regions set a new record in July 2026. The average between 60°N and 60°S reached 20.96°C, beating the earlier July high of 20.89°C recorded in 2023. Rapidly strengthening El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific contributed to the warmth. July 2026 was also the second-warmest July on record globally, with an average surface air temperature of 16.90°C. Western Europe went through its warmest June–July, with heatwaves, dry soils and wildfires, while parts of Canada, the US, Africa, Asia and South America also faced drier conditions.