The global average surface air temperature reached a new record high of 17.09 degrees Celsius (62.76 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday, July 21, 2024, according to preliminary data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. This surpassed the previous record of 17.08°C (62.74°F) set in July 2023.
Heatwaves scorch large regions
The Copernicus service, which has tracked global weather patterns since 1940, reported that the record-breaking temperatures were driven by heatwaves scorching large parts of the United States, Europe, and Russia. Carlo Buontempo, the director of the Copernicus service, stated that it was possible the beginning of the following week could see temperatures eclipse the July 21st record, as the heatwaves continued to intensify across the world.
Sustained trend of record-breaking temperatures
Buontempo noted that the remarkable aspect was not just the marginally higher temperature compared to last year, but the sustained trend of record-breaking temperatures over the past 13 months. Every month since June 2023 has set a new global temperature record for that corresponding month, compared to previous years.
Read more: 2024 will likely be the world’s hottest year as June temperatures hit record-high
Potential for 2024 to surpass 2023
Some scientists have suggested that 2024 could surpass 2023 as the hottest year on record, as the lingering effects of climate change and the recent El Niño weather phenomenon have driven temperatures higher. Buontempo emphasized that the increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will likely lead to the continued breaking of temperature records in the coming months and years.
Calls for action on climate change
Scientists and environmental advocates have long called for global leaders and wealthier countries to phase out and end their reliance on fossil fuels, in order to prevent the catastrophic effects of climate change, including the intensification of heatwaves and other extreme weather events.
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