The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has officially declared the three-month period between June 1 and Aug. 31 as the warmest on record globally.
Ahira Sanchez-Lugo, a climatologist at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, stated during a press briefing on Sept. 19, “This was the warmest June through August period in NOAA’s records dating back to 1850.”
The data shows that 2024 is on track to become the warmest year on record with a 95 percent likelihood.
While the global average temperatures have been rising, there are variations across different regions. The United States experienced its fourth warmest summer overall, with some states like Arizona, California, Florida, Maine, and New Hampshire recording their warmest summers on record.
Tragically, Maricopa County in Arizona reported 256 heat-related deaths by Sept. 14, with more deaths still under investigation.
As of mid-September, parts of the continental United States were facing drought conditions, with states like southwest Texas, Ohio, and West Virginia being hit the hardest.
NOAA’s predictions for the upcoming months indicate above-average temperatures for most of the country, especially along the east coast and southwest regions. While the Southwest is expected to remain dry, the Pacific Northwest, Northeast, and Great Lakes region may see above-average rainfall.
NOAA will provide a winter outlook for 2024-2025 in a press briefing on Oct. 17.
Contributions from The Associated Press.
