The last twelve months have been the hottest on record in the world, 1.58°C warmer than the planet's climate in the 19th century. Every month since June has also broken its own record.
March 2024 even sets a new absolute record, all months combined, with an average of 21.07°C measured on their surface (excluding areas close to the poles) “It’s incredibly unusual,” notes Copernicus scientist Samantha Burgess. “The more the global atmosphere warms, the more extreme events will be numerous, severe, and intense,” she adds.