July set new global heat record
Scientists confirm latest temp data
BERLIN — July was the hottest month measured on Earth since records began in 1880, the latest in a long line of peaks that scientists say backs up predictions for man-made climate change.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday that July was 1.71 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the 20th-century average of 60.4 F for the month.
Because July is generally the warmest month, this means it also set a new monthly record for the past 140 years.
Last month’s temperatures narrowly topped the previous July record, set in 2016, by 0.05 F.
The results were expected after July temperatures in several European countries, including France, Belgium and Germany, smashed previous records.
The Swedish hamlet of Markusvinsa recorded a sizzling 94.6 F, the highest temperature measured north of the Arctic Circle.
According to NOAA’s records, 9 of the 10 hottest Julys on record have occurred since 2005 and last month was the 43rd consecutive July above the 20th-century average.
The record July temperatures were accompanied by other major landmarks. Average Arctic sea ice, for example, was almost 20% below average in July, less than the previous historic low of July 2012.
The July peaks came hot on the heels of a sizzling June, the hottest one recorded over the past 140 years.
The year to date is also 1.71 F above the long-term average, still slightly behind 2016 and on a par with 2017, NOAA said.
Meteorologists don’t expect 2019 to beat the current warmest year record, set in 2016.