Preliminary data shows the first week of July has been the hottest on record globally, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). 

This follows the declaration of an El Niño event and the hottest individual day on record on July 3. 

Despite cooler temperatures in some areas, such as western Australia, throughout June, the global records continue to be broken. 

Furthermore, the WMO reports that Antarctic sea ice reached its lowest extent for the month of June since satellite observations began.

The extreme temperatures, both on land and in the oceans, have significant implications for ecosystems and the environment, underscoring the widespread changes occurring in Earth's system due to human-induced climate change. 

Prof Christopher Hewitt, WMO Director of Climate Services, warns that the development of El Niño is expected to intensify the heat, leading to more extreme temperatures and marine heatwaves.

Dr Omar Baddour, chief of climate monitoring at WMO, says the dramatic changes in different components of the climate system and sea surface temperatures. 

The unprecedented sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic are a cause for concern, with potential impacts on ecosystems, fisheries, and weather patterns.

Moreover, the record-breaking temperatures and loss of Antarctic sea ice highlight the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change. 

The situation adds to calls for a collective effort to address the escalating challenges posed by global warming.