The summer of 2024 has been the hottest on record, with temperature records being broken in multiple locations around the world. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)
Summer 2024 has broken temperature records in multiple places around the world, establishing itself as the hottest ever recorded on Earth. This phenomenon has been documented by several agencies and sources, which point to both the climate change as well as temporary meteorological factors as the main causes of extreme temperatures.
NBC Miami reported that the summer of 2024 set heat records in Fort Lauderdale, Phoenix and various regions of Europawhere the events were recently held Olympics. Throughout June, July, and August, Earth experienced the hottest temperatures ever recorded. The network also noted that there is a 95% chance that 2024 will end up being even hotter than the previous record of 2023. Specifically, Phoenix experienced more than 100 consecutive days with triple-digit temperatures, and 56 consecutive days with temperatures of 43°C (109.4°F) or more, both historical records.
BBC reported that the summer of 2024 It was also the hottest of Europawith an increase of 1.54°C (2.77°F) above the long-term average of 1991-2020. August was the 13th month in a 14-month period in which the global average temperature exceeded 1.5°C (2.7°F) pre-industrial levels. Although the United Kingdom had its coldest summer since 2015, many other European regions experienced significant heat. This pattern is consistent with the global climate crisis, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
In Europe, the average temperature was 1.54°C above the long-term average for 1991-2020, according to the BBC. (Eduardo Parra / Europa Press)
For its part, Los Angeles Times He stressed that the global average temperature in June, July and August 2024 It was a record of 16.8°C (62.24°F)according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service of the European Union. The season was marked by wildfires, heat waves and heat-related deaths, not only in California but in many other parts of the world. The city of Phoenixin Arizonaendured more than 100 consecutive days of temperatures above 38°C (100°F)breaking the previous record of 76 days set in 1993.
The Guardian indicated that the average temperatures of the Tierra In the summer months it was 16.8°C (62.24°F)surpassing the previous record of 2023 by 0.03°C (0.05°F). Copernicus temperature records go back to 1940, but they also show that the last decade has been the warmest since regular measurements have been taken. Scientists attribute this record warmth mainly to man-made climate changetemporarily aggravated by the phenomenon of The Child in 2023. According to Charles Good Timedirector of Copernicusso that 2024 If it is not to become the warmest year on record, it would require significant climate cooling in the remaining months of the year, something that does not seem likely at this stage.
In Miamithe increase in temperatures has been noticeable. According to NBC Miamithe Average temperature in Miami is now 2.8°C (5.04°F) higher than in 1970with 36 additional days above normal compared to that year. These increases reflect a worrying trend as we move into meteorological autumn, spanning the months of September, October and November.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported a record global average temperature of 16.8°C for June, July and August 2024. (Wade Vandervort/Las Vegas Sun via AP)
Los Angeles Times He also stressed that during August 2024the extension of the Arctic sea ice fell 17% below average, being the fourth lowest level for the month in the satellite record. In addition, the extension of the Antarctic sea ice was 7% below average, the second-lowest extension on record for August.
The situation in California was also highlighted by Los Angeles Times. In it Death Valley National Parktwo people died due to heat-related illnesses, confirming that the park experienced its hottest summer with nine consecutive days of 51.7°C (125°F) or more. The average 24-hour temperature in the park during June, July, and August was 40.3°C (104.5°F), surpassing the previous record of 40.1°C (104.2°F) set in 2021 and 2018.
The Guardian He pointed to the influence of additional factors that could have contributed to the extreme heat, including a change in aerosol delivery regulations, a spike in the 11-year solar cycle and the eruption of volcán Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai in 2022, which may have trapped a significant amount of heat in the atmosphere.
Human-caused climate change remains the main driver behind extreme temperatures, scientists say. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
However, man-made climate change remains the main driver behind these extreme temperatures, according to scientists. Jennifer Francisof the Woodwell Climate Research Centerexplained that there have been a series of extreme weather conditions such as heat waves, floods and forest fires.
In light of these trends, it is increasingly likely that 2024 will end up being the warmest year on record, with diverse consequences for ecosystems and human health.
