Federal scientists confirmed on Thursday that July 2019 was the hottest month ever recorded on Earth.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, global temperatures averaged 62.13 degrees in July, which is 1.71 degrees higher than the 20th-century average. This July bested July 2016 for the hottest month on record by 0.05 degrees, since scientists began keeping track of temperature data in 1880.
The scientists also released geographical data, noting that the areas where temperatures varied furthest from averages, were Alaska, central Europe, northern and southwestern parts of Asia, and certain regions in Africa and Australia. In the third week of July, heat waves across the U.S. sparked temperatures in cities like New York City, Little Rock, AK, and Memphis, to reach record-breaking highs.
The period between January - July was also the second hottest year-to-date on record, which ties the data collected in 2017. July is typically the hottest month of the year, and nine of the ten hottest Julys on record have occurred since 2005. The period between January - July was also the second hottest year-to-date on record, which ties the data collected in 2017.
These findings corroborate scientific predictions regarding the effects of man-made climate change. Given the notable trends in higher temperatures and natural disasters, this upward movement is likely to continue.
