Extreme heatwaves that have ravaged several regions of the world in July 2024 have contributed to this day breaking records.
With an average global surface air temperature of 17.09°C, July 21, 2024, was the hottest day in Earth’s recorded history, according to an analysis of early data from the ERA5 dataset. The unheard-of heatwave highlights the growing influence of climate change on worldwide temperatures.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) maintains the ERA5 dataset, which offers extensive climate and meteorological data going back to 1940. This most recent record breaks prior highs and underlines the continuous trend of rising global temperatures.
Extreme heatwaves that have affected several parts of the world in July 2024 have contributed to this day smashing records. Prolonged and extreme heatwaves have caused severe weather disasters, including wildfires in Greece, Canada, and Algeria, in regions including southern Europe, Southeast Asia, northern Africa, and the United States.
The issue has been extensively monitored by the United Nations and other climate agencies.
With a recent warning that “humanity is in the hot seat,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasised the critical need of taking action to slow down climate change. He referred to this time as the “era of global boiling,” highlighting the dire consequences of temperature rise that are already being seen.
Climate scientists believe that both natural climatic variability and the aggravating impacts of greenhouse gas emissions from human activity are to blame for this record heat. The continuous increase in global temperatures is a glaring sign of how quickly climate change is happening, with serious ramifications for ecosystems, public health, and global economies.
The exceptionally high global sea surface temperatures that have coincided with the record-breaking temperatures have also added to the overall warming trend. The global heat anomaly is exacerbated by reports of above-average temperatures even in Antarctica, which is presently experiencing its winter.
Strong climate action and adaptation plans are more important than ever as the world struggles with these harsh conditions.
