Ocean Temperatures Reach Record High in July

Why it matters locally: Rising ocean temperatures can lead to sea-level rise and increased intensity of coastal storms, directly impacting New Jersey's extensive coastline and coastal communities. This could also affect the state's commercial fishing and tourism industries.

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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.