The summer of 2024 was the hottest since records began: Global temperatures shatter previous highs.
Temperature Trends and Climate Impacts
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The summer of 2024 marked a significant milestone in global climate records. Temperatures soared to unprecedented levels, with many regions experiencing heat well above historical norms.
In Greece, summer temperatures climbed at least 3°C higher than previous years. This data comes from reanalysis using the ERA5 system from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.
The past 45 summers have shown a clear warming trend, with 2024 standing out as the hottest by far. It logged 259 extremely hot hours, surpassing the previous record set in 2021 by 17 hours.
Temperature anomalies can be measured in various ways, including:
- Weather station observations
- Radiosonde data
- Numerical weather model outputs
One key metric is the temperature at 850 hPa, about 1,500 metres above sea level. This level helps track the thermal characteristics of air masses affecting an area.
A map of the Northern Hemisphere for June-August 2024 revealed above-average temperatures across most regions. The most extreme positive anomalies (>2-3°C) were found in:
- Parts of Eastern and Central Europe
- North America
- The Arctic Ocean
- Central Asia
Sum of extremely hot hours per summer (June-August) in the period 1979-2024
Greece saw temperature deviations exceeding 3°C across nearly the entire country, making it the warmest summer on record.
To rank the last 45 summers (1979-2024), researchers tallied the hours when temperatures at 850 hPa surpassed the 99th percentile of values from 1981-2010. These were classified as extremely hot hours.
This analysis confirmed that summer 2024 was the hottest on record, not just for Greece but globally. The Northern Hemisphere experienced its warmest meteorological summer, with temperatures 1.52°C above average.
Summers in Athens:
Sum of extremely hot hours per summer (June-August) in the period 1979-2024
Key factors contributing to this heat included:
- Ongoing global warming trends
- Increased greenhouse gas emissions
- El Niño conditions
- Rising sea surface temperatures
The impacts of this record-breaking heat were far-reaching:
- Increased frequency and intensity of wildfires
- Prolonged droughts in many regions
- Stress on agriculture and food production
- Health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations
- Melting of Arctic sea ice
Climate scientists warn that such extreme temperatures are becoming more common due to human-caused climate change. The warming trend is intensifying, with each passing year bringing new heat records.
To put this in perspective, 72 nations experienced their hottest summer in recorded history during 2024. This widespread heat demonstrates the global nature of the climate crisis, with nearly every part of the world showing temperature variations linked to fossil fuel combustion.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed that June to August 2024 surpassed the previous record set in 2023. This exceptional heat increases the likelihood that 2024 will become the warmest year on record overall.
As temperatures continue to climb, the need for urgent action on climate change becomes increasingly clear. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and implementing adaptive strategies will be crucial in mitigating the worst effects of global warming.
Common Queries About Summer 2024
What caused the soaring temperatures in summer 2024?
Several factors led to the extreme heat:
- Rising greenhouse gas levels
- El Niño weather pattern
- Increased solar activity
- Urban heat island effect
- Deforestation and land-use changes
How did the scorching summer of 2024 impact global climate?
The intense heat had far-reaching effects:
• Altered jet stream patterns
• More frequent and severe heatwaves
• Increased wildfires in many regions
• Accelerated ice melt in polar areas
• Rising sea levels
• Shifts in plant and animal behaviours
Which temperature records did summer 2024 break?
Summer 2024 surpassed several previous highs:
- Hottest global average temperature
- Most days above 40°C in many countries
- Highest night-time temperatures in numerous cities
- Warmest sea surface temperatures
- Hottest June-August period since records began in 1940
