Ocean Temperatures Reach Record High in July

Why it matters locally: South Carolina's significant tourism and fishing industries are highly susceptible to changes in ocean temperatures, potentially impacting marine ecosystems and coastal economies. Warmer waters could also exacerbate hurricane intensity, posing increased risks to the state's coastline.

Global oceans registered their warmest July on record. This temperature increase occurred as meteorologists noted developing El Niño conditions. Simultaneously, wildfires continued to affect areas of western Europe during the same period.