Philippine seas hit record-high temps after El Niño

Marine scientists from the University of the Philippines reported record-high sea surface temperatures (SST) in Philippine waters lasting three months even after El Niño ended in May 2024.

The highest daily SST recorded was 30.45°C in mid-June, surpassing previous records and posing a significant threat to temperature-sensitive marine organisms.

Researchers noted that these high temperatures occurred during the northeast monsoon season when SSTs are typically lower, and were further intensified by warm winds from the southwest monsoon (habagat) after El Niño.

The study identified two groups of marine heatwaves: one during November 2023 to January 2024 and another from May to August 2024, affecting breeding, migration, and feeding patterns of various marine species.

UP MSI scientists attributed the warming in Philippine waters to the combined effects of El Niño and seasonal monsoon patterns, emphasizing the interplay between these factors can significantly alter marine ecosystems.