Earth’s 13-month warm record is ending, but global temperatures remain high

The Earth’s run of record heat finally ended in 13 months.

According to European Climate Institute CopernicusTemperatures in July missed last year’s record.

„Although slightly lower than a year ago, global temperatures are still at record levels,” said Julian Nicholls, a Copernicus climate scientist.

The El Niño weather pattern, which typically warms the Pacific Ocean, triggered the heat wave. Now that it is passing, the temperature is cooling down a bit.

„At the time we’re talking sea surface temperatures are very high or above average sea surface temperatures outside the equatorial Pacific. So, outside of typical El Niño areas,” Nichols said.

The global average temperature for July is 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit, 1.2 degrees above the 30-year average. It is not enough to beat the previous record.

July 22 and 23 were the hottest days on record.

Climate change has recently driven extreme weather events, such as flooding in South Africa and a fatal landslide in Indonesia.

Officials say more than 120 people have died in Tokyo due to unprecedented heat.

„The effects of climate change can be seen for many years, starting as early as June 2023, and they won’t end as this series of records ends,” Nichols said.