World records second-hottest May as El Nio and warming drive global heat
The world’s second-hottest May on record has been confirmed by climate researchers, with scientists pointing to a strengthening El Niño event and long-term global warming as the primary drivers. Data released on 10 June 2026 shows that both land and ocean surface temperatures exceeded historical averages, underscoring the accelerating pace of climate change. “The combination of natural variability and human-induced warming is pushing global temperatures into uncharted territory,” said Dr. Elena Vasquez of the Barcelona Centre for Climate Science, whose team contributed to the analysis .
The findings, based on satellite observations and ground-based weather stations, place May 2026 just behind May 2020—the previous record holder for global heat. Oceanic regions, particularly the tropical Pacific, registered the most pronounced warming, consistent with the developing El Niño phase. “We’re seeing a feedback loop,” explained Vasquez. “Warmer oceans fuel stronger El Niño events, which in turn release more heat into the atmosphere.” The data also revealed that Arctic sea ice extent remained well below average, continuing a decades-long trend linked to rising global temperatures.
Meanwhile, in the Bahamas, marine archaeologists have uncovered the first underwater evidence of pirate-era shipwrecks near the capital, Nassau. Using sonar and underwater drones, a team from the University of the Bahamas documented at least three burnt hulls dating to the late 17th and early 18th centuries, a period when Nassau was a notorious pirate stronghold. “These wrecks are a direct link to the Golden Age of Piracy,” said lead researcher Dr. Marcus O’Connor. “They offer a rare glimpse into the maritime culture and conflicts of the time.” The discovery follows a 2025 expedition that identified similar wrecks off the coast of Eleuthera, suggesting a broader network of submerged pirate sites .
In the animal kingdom, researchers have uncovered a remarkable survival strategy among queen bumblebees, which can endure up to a week submerged in water during winter hibernation. A study published in *Proceedings of the Royal Society B* found that the queens switch to anaerobic metabolism when oxygen levels drop, producing lactate to sustain energy without breathing. “This isn’t just a quirk of nature—it’s an evolutionary adaptation that may become increasingly vital as flooding events intensify with climate change,” noted Dr. Sophie Laurent of the French National Centre for Scientific Research .
From the culinary world, chef Theo Randall has unveiled a poached chicken salad with anchovy croutons, a dish he calls a “terrace sensation” at his London restaurant. The recipe combines crisp greens, tender chicken, and umami-rich croutons made from anchovy-dressed bread, a technique Randall credits for the salad’s popularity during peak summer months. “It’s simple, but the anchovy croutons add a depth that keeps customers coming back,” he said .




