WMO Bulletin Vol. 75 (2): The Warming Ocean

The sun setting over the ocean, with the water surface in focus in the foreground.

Sebastian Voortman/Pexels

Explore the science of ocean heat, marine heatwaves and El Niño, alongside advances in hurricane and weather forecasting. This issue highlights observing networks, partnerships and digital services helping countries understand change and prepare for it.

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Featured in this issue

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WMO Bulletin

The Ocean Under Pressure

6 November 2026

In her opening message, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo reflects on how countries work together to observe a warming ocean and how this knowledge helps communities prepare for the changes ahead.

Sunset over the ocean with sunbeams breaking through dark clouds.

WMO Bulletin

How Ocean Observations Help Us Understand and Forecast El Niño

6 November 2026

The 2026 El Niño shows why sustained ocean observations matter. Satellites, buoys and autonomous floats help scientists monitor its development and improve seasonal forecasts worldwide.

View of Earth from space showing the horizon, cloud cover, and sunlight.

WMO Bulletin

Ocean Heat Reveals Earth's Energy Imbalance

6 November 2026

Earth is retaining more energy than it releases, with oceans absorbing most excess heat. Scientists combine ocean and satellite measurements to carefully track this imbalance.

An older Asian man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a dark pinstripe suit and a red patterned tie.

WMO Bulletin

“China’s Meteorological Satellite Programme is a Collective Effort”

6 November 2026

Professor Xu Jianmin, winner of the 2025 International Meteorological Organization Prize, reflects on six decades in meteorology, his role in China’s satellite programme and how satellites have transformed weather forecasting.

A tuna purse seiner vessel on the ocean, with a small speed boat creating a wake nearby as it hauls a fishing net.

WMO Bulletin

Fishing Vessels Help Fill gaps in Pacific Ocean Observations

6 November 2026

On Pacific tuna vessels, sensors attached to fishing gear collect temperature readings in waters that scientists rarely sample. These measurements support weather forecasting, fisheries management and research on tropical cyclones.

Sunlight streaming through an opening into a dark underwater cave.

WMO Bulletin

6 November 2026

Marine Heatwaves Are Key to Tracking Climate Change

Four men fishing with rods while standing along a concrete embankment near a harbor.

WMO Bulletin

6 November 2026

Pacific Communities Rely on Sea-Level Observations to Face Rising Seas

Researchers on a boat lift a yellow underwater glider out of the ocean.

WMO Bulletin

6 November 2026

Ocean Observations Support Hurricane Forecasts in a Warming Caribbean

A container ship sailing through ice floes on the water.

WMO Bulletin

6 November 2026

The Digital Transformation of Marine Meteorological and Ice Information Services

Aerial view of two cargo ships navigating a sea channel near a busy shipping port.

WMO Bulletin

6 November 2026

10 000 Ships for Ocean Observations

Fish silhouettes and rising bubbles viewed from underwater looking toward the sunlit surface.

WMO Bulletin

6 November 2026

Small Changes Could Mean Big Gains for Ocean Carbon Sink Estimates

Sun setting over a beach with dark sand, rolling waves, and a forested coastline.

WMO Bulletin

6 November 2026

Scientists Unite to Better Understand North Pacific Ocean Extremes

Aerial view of turquoise ocean waves crashing and creating white sea foam.

WMO Bulletin

6 November 2026

Ocean Observations Improve Medium-Range Weather Forecasts

Last updated: 5 November 2026