The climate threat|Global challenges

Sunset over the Pacific Ocean in Lima, Peru Rodrigo Abd / AP 

Record warm in the oceans – far beyond the scientists' forecasts  

In April, the highest average sea temperature ever was measured, 21.1 degrees. The Guardian reports. In addition, the high temperatures have remained for over a month.  

British oceanographer Mike Meredith says current levels are far above what climate forecasts have predicted. The concern is that it will continue in the same way. 

- It can be extremely high for a short time, or it can be the start of something much more serious, he says.  

Warmer oceans worry scientists for several reasons, including that warmer ocean water takes up more space than cooler ocean water, which accelerates sea level rise. Ola Kalén, oceanographer at SMHI, tells DN that the high temperatures in the sea indicate that a strong El Niño situation is to be expected after the summer.