The Sea Surface Temperature (SST) around the Cook Islands reached a scorching milestone in 2024, with a record-breaking high of 29.5°C in March, marking the hottest ocean temperature ever recorded since 1970.

The dramatic rise in sea temperatures has been closely monitored by the Meteorological Service, which uses wave buoys at the Panama and Tikioki Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), along with the Avatiu tide gauge, to track ocean conditions.

In a humorous update yesterday, the Meteorological Office stated that this year's SST reached a new peak, with a sizzling 29.5°C in March.

"Talk about a hot tub for the fish!" they joked.

Normally, the warmest sea temperature around the Cook Islands today is 28.1°C, typically recorded at Manuae. The coldest water temperature is 27.9°C, usually found in Aitutaki.

As of yesterday, Rarotonga's sea temperature stood at 28.1°C according to Sea Temperature.

However, the SST journey has not been a steady climb. In late November, the temperature took a sharp dip, plunging to a chilly 23.8°C, giving the ocean a "sweater weather" vibe for a brief period according to the Met office.

Despite the fluctuations, the annual monitoring continues to provide vital information for the islands.

"During summer, the SST helps us figure out if we’re in for a cyclone, or whether our corals are about to get a sunburn and go through a bleaching crisis," explained the Met Office.

"The ocean’s mood is changing, and we’re watching it every WAVE of the way!" As the year progresses, the Met office said they will continue to keep an eye out for any further changes that could pose any impacts on both the environment and daily life in the Cook Islands.