The world has experienced its hottest day ever recorded on Sunday, July 21, 2024, as reported by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The global average surface air temperature soared to 17.09 degrees Celsius (62.76 degrees Fahrenheit), narrowly surpassing the previous record of 17.08 C (62.74 F) set in July last year.

Widespread Heatwaves Intensify

Over the past week, heatwaves have ravaged extensive regions of the United States, Europe, and Russia. These intense heatwaves have caused widespread disruption, affecting everything from agriculture to public health.

Confirmation of a New Record

The Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed to Reuters that the record for daily temperature average set last year has been eclipsed. Their records, which date back to 1940, provide a comprehensive view of these dramatic changes in our climate.

A Consistent Rise in Temperatures

Last year witnessed a series of record-breaking days from July 3 through July 6, highlighting the impact of climate change driven by fossil fuel consumption. This year, every month since June 2023 has been the hottest on record for its respective month, illustrating a continuous upward trend in global temperatures.

The Role of Climate Change and El Nino

Experts suggest that 2024 could become the hottest year ever recorded, surpassing 2023. The combination of persistent climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon, which concluded in April, has significantly elevated global temperatures. This alarming trend underscores the critical need for immediate climate action.