CLIMATEPOINT
Tina Kotek
Temperatures soar in Pacific. What now?
Dinah Voyles PulverUSA TODAY
Updated June 18, 2026, 8:49 a.m. ET
A stunning rise in sea surface temperatures along the equator in the Pacific Ocean set and broke records in mid-June. Not only is the water warmer than previously recorded for this time of year, it's the second-warmest period on record for any time of year.