According to data from the European Copernicus service, confirmed by scientists, August 2026 set a new global heat record, with temperatures exceeding the pre-industrial average by 1.65°C.
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During the same month, ocean surface temperatures also reached unprecedented levels for that period. Contrary to expectations, the arrival of autumn did not ease the heat, prompting experts to warn of a possible worsening of conditions as the El Niño phenomenon continues. El Niño warms the waters of the Pacific and affects the planet’s climate system.
This El Niño event in 2026 is expected to peak at the end of the year and could rank among the strongest ever recorded. However, researchers stress that the main driver of these successive heat records remains the continued use of fossil fuels.
“Global warming is amplifying every El Niño cycle. Unless we stop burning coal, oil and gas, we will continue to see months that break temperature barriers,” said Friederike Otto, a professor of climate science at Imperial College London.
The extreme heatwave in August was accompanied by serious consequences worldwide, including massive fires, damage to agriculture, loss of life due to high temperatures, and disruptions to transport, services and the economy. Specialists also expect food prices to rise further as a result of declining agricultural production.
