Related Post
July 22, 2024, has officially been recorded as the hottest day in history, according to a comprehensive analysis of global daily temperature data conducted by NASA. Notably, both July 21 and 23 of this year also surpassed the previous daily temperature record, which was established in July 2023. These unprecedented temperatures are indicative of a prolonged warming trend, primarily attributed to human activities and the release of greenhouse gases. In alignment with its mission to deepen our understanding of Earth, NASA diligently gathers vital long-term observations regarding the ongoing changes to our planet.
“In a year that has set the record for the highest temperatures to date, the last two weeks have proven to be particularly harsh,” stated NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “With the aid of our more than two dozen Earth-observing satellites and over 60 years of data, NASA is delivering essential analyses on how our planet is evolving and how local communities can effectively prepare, adapt, and ensure safety. We take pride in our role within the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to safeguard communities from extreme heat.”
This preliminary finding is derived from data analyses conducted using the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2), and the Goddard Earth Observing System Forward Processing (GEOS-FP) systems. These systems integrate millions of global observations collected from various sources, including land, sea, air, and satellites, employing sophisticated atmospheric models. While GEOS-FP offers rapid, near-real-time weather data, MERRA-2 provides a more comprehensive climate reanalysis, utilizing the highest quality observations available. Both models are operated by the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Daily global average temperature data from MERRA-2 for the years 1980-2022 is represented in white, while values for 2023 are depicted in pink, and data from 2024 through June is shown in red. The daily global temperature readings from July 1 to 23, 2024, sourced from GEOS-FP, are illustrated in purple. These findings are corroborated by an independent analysis from the European Union’s Copernicus Earth Observation Programme. Despite minor discrepancies, both analyses demonstrate a consistent trend in temperature changes over time, particularly regarding the hottest days.
The recent daily temperature records follow a staggering 13 consecutive months of record-breaking temperatures, as reported by scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York. Their analysis is based on the GISTEMP record, which utilizes surface instrumental data to provide a long-term perspective on global temperature fluctuations, dating back to the late 19th century.
