Tracking Heat Across the World
Intense heat has stifled the globe this past year, contributing to record-breaking hot summers and winters in both hemispheres.
Where Thursday’s maximum temperature forecasts were extremely high
Source: Climate Reanalyzer, Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, using data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Global Forecast System
The planet experienced its hottest-ever start to the year by a large margin. Through May 2024, every month since June 2023 has been the warmest on record for that month, and last year as a whole ranked as the warmest ever. Scientists say 2024 could become the warmest ever, edging out the withering record of the previous year.
Where Thursday’s forecast temperatures were warmer than normal
Degrees warmer or cooler than the 1979-2000 average for June 27
Source: Climate Reanalyzer, Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, using data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Global Forecast System
The bouts of exceptional warmth are driven in large part by the continued emissions of heat-trapping gases, mainly from the burning of fossil fuels.
Note: Maps on this page show temperature forecasts for the period between 8 p.m. on June 26 through 8 p.m. on June 27. All times Eastern.