This summer was like no other, which you’ve probably experienced for yourself. What you might not have known is that it has officially set the record for the hottest summer ever recorded. From June to August 2024, we experienced extreme temperatures worldwide, making this the second consecutive year with record-breaking heat.
Typically, records are acts of achievement, but in this case, it’s quite the opposite. This record is a serious cause for alarm and a desperate call for help from Mother Earth. Let’s uncover how this record-setting heat wave has affected our planet and its inhabitants.
Summer 2024 Sets New Temperature Records
According to data from the European climate service Copernicus, the average global temperature for June, July, and August 2024 was 62.24°F (16.8°C).
The previous record set last summer was 0.05°F (0.03°C) cooler than this year’s summer. Although it only beats the previous record marginally, from the summer of 2023, it doesn’t take away from the fact that it was the hottest summer ever recorded.
Hottest June and Joint-Hottest August on Record
The summer of 2024 saw record-breaking temperatures from the very start. June 2024 was the hottest on record, surpassing 2023 by a wide margin. August 2024 tied with August 2023 as the hottest August globally, with an average temperature of 62.27°F (16.82°C).
Extreme Heat Waves Across the Globe
From Arizona to Australia, countries around the world endured relentless heat waves. Phoenix had over 100 days of temperatures above 100°F (37.8°C) this year, while Australia experienced its hottest August day ever, hitting 106.9°F (41.6°C).
These intense heat waves brought health risks and dangerous conditions, such as droughts and wildfires.
Dew Points and Humidity Hit Record Highs
With high temperatures came extreme humidity. The dew point, which measures how humid the air feels, reached near-record highs in many regions. This combination of heat and humidity made the summer unbearable for many, with dangerous consequences for both humans and animals.
Sure, summers are meant for splashing about in all kinds of bodies of water. But when it’s out of a desperate necessity to stay semi-cool, it’s not quite the same – or what do you think?
Wildfires Ravaged Many Regions
The heat wasn’t the only issue this summer. Or at least, they cause a chain reaction of many other highly dangerous and related issues.
Record temperatures fueled wildfires across the globe, particularly in Canada and Hawaii. These wildfires destroyed habitats and displaced wildlife, creating significant ecological damage that will take years to recover from.
Destructive Storms and Flooding
As temperatures rose, so did the intensity of storms. Countries like Italy, Greece, and parts of Asia experienced severe flooding due to extreme rainfall. This is one of the many ways climate change is altering weather patterns, making storms more frequent and destructive.
The Role of El Niño in Boosting Temperatures
Part of the heat surge in 2024 was due to the lingering effects of El Niño, a natural climate pattern that raises sea surface temperatures.
Although El Niño ended in June, its warming effect lingered, contributing to the record heat experienced this summer.
Climate Change Continues to Drive Temperature Rise
While El Niño had some influence, scientists agree that the primary driver of 2024’s record heat was human-caused climate change.
Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas continue to release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat and driving global temperatures higher. Essentially, we’re all partaking in unsustainable lifestyles that mother Earth can’t keep up with.
Impacts on Wildlife and Ecosystems
The intense heat is not just affecting humans—it’s also having devastating impacts on wildlife and ecosystems. Animals struggle to find water and shelter, while rising sea levels and habitat destruction threaten many species’ survival. The consequences are being felt across ecosystems worldwide.
Health Risks from Record Heat
Heat waves are becoming more deadly, with prolonged exposure leading to heatstroke, dehydration, and other serious health issues.
This summer, hospitals around the world saw an increase in heat-related illnesses. There was an especially notable spike among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those who already have a compromised health.
The Future of Climate Change and What’s Next
Scientists warn that unless significant action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, record-breaking heat will become the new normal. While 2024 is expected to set a new annual temperature record, these extreme events will likely continue in the coming years without urgent global action.
What are you doing, small or big, to reduce your carbon footprint?
How to Help Mitigate Future Heat
Reducing fossil fuel use, increasing energy efficiency, and protecting natural ecosystems are all steps individuals and governments can take to slow the progression of climate change. By making small changes in daily life, such as reducing energy consumption, we can help curb rising temperatures and protect the planet.
Although these numbers and figures of the hottest summer on record may all seem overwhelming, they mustn’t petrify us into freezing on the spot (although we do want things to get cooler.) All small little actions we can do for our environment count for something.
So, what will you do for our planet today?
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