Record Heat This Summer Triggers Warnings

The summer of 2024 has been confirmed as the hottest on record, with global temperatures averaging 0.69 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 baseline, surpassing last year's records. This unprecedented heat has resulted in extreme weather events worldwide, including deadly heatwaves, wildfires, and storms, indicating that 2024 is on track to become the hottest year documented. The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that the summer months combined were 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial averages, a significant marker as humanity struggles with rising greenhouse gas emissions. The record-breaking temperatures were exacerbated by a strong El Niño event, affecting weather patterns globally. In the U.S., cities like Phoenix experienced prolonged heat, setting new temperature records and increasing wildfire risks. Experts warn that without urgent action to combat climate change, these extreme temperatures and associated consequences are likely to worsen.