2024 Records Hottest Year, Exceeds 1.5°C Threshold

The year 2024 has been confirmed as the hottest on record, with the global average temperature surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time. This milestone poses significant risks for extreme weather events globally, including heat waves, floods, and droughts, as highlighted by the United Nations' climate goals. Analysis from the Copernicus Climate Change Service shows that two-thirds of the Earth's surface experienced record-breaking heat, with monthly averages exceeding previous records by up to 5°C in various regions. The hottest day recorded was July 22, 2024, with a global average temperature of 17.16°C. In the U.S., January 2025 continued the trend, ranking as the warmest January in the last 176 years, further emphasizing the alarming warming trend. Regions like Kentucky reported their hottest year ever, contributing to a broader pattern of rising temperatures across multiple states.