Potential New Global Highs for Temperature Records Set Consecutively on Monday and Tuesday

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The University of Maine’s Climate Reanalyzer project reports that this week may have marked the most intensely hot days ever recorded, with Monday and Tuesday potentially setting new global highs.

The global average temperature reached unprecedented levels over these two days, prompting discussions among scientists. After identifying a significant spike on Monday, Tuesday’s temperature rose a further 0.17 degrees Celsius (0.31 degrees Fahrenheit), marking a substantial increase in the context of global averages and records.

According to satellite data and computer model predictions, Wednesday is also expected to approach record-breaking temperatures. Remarkably, the average temperature in Antarctica is predicted to be 4.5 degrees Celsius (8.1 degrees Fahrenheit) above the average between 1979 and 2000.

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Several high temperature records were broken on July 3 and 4 in areas such as Quebec, northwestern Canada, and Peru. From Medford, Oregon to Tampa, Florida, US cities have been experiencing all-time highs, reports Zack Taylor, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Last week, Beijing endured nine consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).

Stefan Rahmstorf, a climate scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research in Germany, warns about the increasing risks posed by our planet’s warming due to fossil fuel use. “It’s crucial that we act quickly to halt this trend,” he stressed.

Jason Furtado, a meteorology professor at the University of Oklahoma, pointed out that this potential record-setting heat comes in a year already marked by extreme weather and climate events, such as record warmth in the North Atlantic, record low sea ice in Antarctica, and a rapidly intensifying El Nino.

The unofficial global temperature record, although not the typical measure used by top-tier climate entities such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), does highlight the uncharted territory into which climate change is advancing. Deke Arndt, director of the National Center for Environmental Information, a division of NOAA, confirmed that these figures would be considered in official record calculations.

Arndt explained that while a single day observation doesn’t carry the same weight as long-term measurements, we would not witness record-warm days if we were not already in a significantly warm era due to greenhouse gas emissions and a robust El Nino.

On July 4, the Earth’s average temperature reached 17.18 degrees Celsius or 62.9 degrees Fahrenheit, as per the Climate Reanalyzer data. This was nearly a full degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) above the 1979-2000 average.

The reanalyzer, based on a NOAA computer simulation using satellite data, is not designed for record-keeping but for forecasts. Therefore, this record is an unofficial one.

Stanford University climate scientist Chris Field noted, “A record like this affirms the widely accepted view that global warming is leading us into a future of higher temperatures.”

Extreme heat conditions adversely affect people globally. In the US alone, heat advisories were in effect for over 30 million people in several regions, with excessive heat warnings in place across southern Arizona and California.

Increased heat poses significant health risks. Erinanne Saffell, the Arizona state climatologist, cautioned that individuals, especially the young and elderly, may struggle to adapt to these extreme conditions, stressing the importance of staying hydrated, cool, and reducing outdoor exertion.

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Reporting was conducted by Borenstein from Washington and Walling from Chicago.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Global Temperature Record

More about Global Temperature Record

• University of Maine’s Climate Reanalyzer project
• NOAA’s National Center for Environmental Information
• National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center
• AP’s climate initiative