Record Heat in 2024: Hottest Year on Record So Far!
Record Heat in 2024: Hottest Year on Record So Far!
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According to Copernicus, 2024 is predicted to be the hottest year on record, surpassing 2023’s record. The five years with the highest global temperatures have all occurred after 2016, with 2023, 2016, 2020, 2019, and 2017 being the hottest years in that order. The average temperature has increased by 1.48 degrees Celsius beyond pre-industrial levels from the 19th century, almost reaching the Paris Conference’s goal of limiting the rise to 1.5C. This proves that existing climate change policies have failed.
Greece has been experiencing scorching heat since early summer, with June being extremely hot in many parts of the country. The country recorded the second warmest June since 2010, with central Greece and the Peloponnese experiencing very large positive temperature deviations. Athens had its hottest June since 1860, and July 2024 was the hottest July on record for Greece, exceeding the average value for the period 1991-2020 by 2.9C and the previously warmest July of 2012 by +0.3C.
In the last four years, three of the four warmest Julys in Greece in at least 80 years have been recorded. The most pronounced positive deviations in Greece were recorded in the north and west, as well as in large urban centers due to the urban heat island effect caused by cementation.
The globe has been experiencing unprecedented global heat, with sea surface temperatures, ocean temperatures, and sea ice extent being affected. The Arctic sea ice extent has been declining, and the Antarctic sea ice extent has also been decreasing. The warming trend is driven by greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from burning fossil fuels. The impact of global warming is evident in the form of droughts, flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the record temperatures across Europe in 2024?
The record temperatures across Europe in 2024 are caused by a combination of factors, including high pressure systems, climate change, and the urban heat island effect. The high pressure systems are trapping hot air over the continent, leading to prolonged periods of heat. Climate change is also contributing to the overall increase in temperatures, making heatwaves more frequent and intense. The urban heat island effect is exacerbating the problem in cities, where concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat, making urban areas hotter than the surrounding countryside.
How does the heatwave in the USA this year compare to previous records?
The heatwave in the USA this year is breaking records in many parts of the country. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), June 2024 was the second-warmest June in 130 years of record-keeping for the contiguous US, coming in behind only June 2021. In addition, a summer heat wave in 2024 is expected to bring record-high temperatures to parts of the country, with some states experiencing dangerous conditions.
What are the implications of July 2024 being the hottest month on record?
July 2024 being the hottest month on record has significant implications for the planet. It is a clear sign that global warming is continuing to accelerate, and that urgent action is needed to mitigate its effects. The record-breaking temperatures are leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, which can have serious health consequences for vulnerable populations, as well as causing droughts, wildfires, and other natural disasters.
Has 2024 set a new global record for the hottest temperature ever recorded?
There is no evidence to suggest that 2024 has set a new global record for the hottest temperature ever recorded. However, it is important to note that the overall trend is towards increasing temperatures, and that the hottest temperature ever recorded could be surpassed in the future if climate change continues unchecked.
What measures are being taken to mitigate the effects of extreme heat in 2024?
Governments and organisations around the world are taking a range of measures to mitigate the effects of extreme heat in 2024. These include increasing public awareness of the risks of heatwaves, providing cooling centres and other resources for vulnerable populations, implementing heat warning systems, and investing in green infrastructure to reduce the urban heat island effect.
Are climate models predicting a trend towards hotter summers in the coming years?
Yes, climate models are predicting a trend towards hotter summers in the coming years. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that global temperatures will continue to rise throughout the 21st century, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as other extreme weather events.
