Record-High Temperatures Continue to Rise
New data from Copernicus, the European Union’s climate change monitoring service, reveals that February 2024 was the hottest February on record globally. The world experienced “exceptionally high” temperatures in both the air and sea, marking the ninth consecutive month of record-breaking heat.
Unprecedented Weather Extremes in the U.S.
The record heat coincides with extreme weather events in the U.S., including spring- and summer-like temperatures, heavy rain, flooding, massive snowfall, and unprecedented wildfires. These extremes are a direct result of climate change-driven global temperature rise and are expected to become more frequent and intense.
Oceans at Record High Temperatures
Global sea surface temperatures hit a new high, with February recording the warmest average sea surface temperature ever. This alarming trend in ocean warming contributes to rising sea levels, increased temperatures, and threatens marine ecosystems and economies globally.
Climate Thresholds and Human Impact
Climate scientists warn of critical thresholds, such as reaching 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, that could lead to catastrophic weather events. Recent data shows a continuous warming trend, emphasizing the urgent need to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations to prevent further temperature extremes.
El Niño’s Impact on Weather
An ongoing El Niño event, one of the strongest on record, has influenced global climate patterns. Fueled in part by human activities like burning fossil fuels, El Niño exacerbates temperature anomalies. Even as it weakens, its effects will persist, contributing to above-normal temperatures in the foreseeable future.