Global Fever: NASA Says July 2023 Sizzles As the Hottest Month on Record Ever Since 1880

Record Heat: NASA Reports that July 2023 Is the Hottest Month Since Records Began in 1880

The following map presents worldwide temperature anomalies for July 2023 as determined by the GISTEMP analysis conducted by NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS). These anomalies demonstrate how July 2023 temperatures contrast with the mean temperature for July from the years 1951 to 1980. Courtesy: NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies

July 2023 has been recognized as the all-time hottest month on record by NASA’s GISS. The global temperature saw considerable increases, highlighting an alarming trend of human-induced warming mainly due to greenhouse gas emissions. This record emphasizes the immediate need for action on climate change. Influences such as the formation of El Niño also contributed to this record heat.

In the global temperature record, July 2023 exceeded all previous months, as confirmed by researchers at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York.

“From the start, President Biden has addressed the climate emergency as our generation’s most critical challenge,” stated Ali Zaidi, the White House’s National Climate Advisor. Amidst record temperatures, wildfires, and floods, NASA’s findings underscore the necessity of President Biden’s unparalleled climate leadership. This includes the largest climate investment ever with the Inflation Reduction Act, boosting domestic clean energy production via the Defense Production Act, and enhancing climate resilience nationwide, all part of the most aggressive climate strategy in history.

Unprecedented Temperatures

On the whole, July 2023 was warmer by 0.43°F (0.24°C) than any other July in NASA’s history, and 2.1°F (1.18°C) above the average July temperature between 1951 and 1980. The GISS analysis primarily centers on extensive temperature fluctuations over several decades and centuries. Temperature “normals” are based on multi-decadal periods, usually 30 years.

Billions felt the hottest temperatures ever recorded in July 2023, a fact confirmed by NASA data. As NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, “The science is unambiguous. We must take immediate action to protect our planet and communities; it’s our only home.”

The accompanying chart illustrates global temperature anomalies for every July since the 1880s using NASA’s GISTEMP analysis. This information represents the deviations in global temperatures from the July norms during 1951-1980. Courtesy: NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies / NASA’s Earth Observatory

Global Consequences

Various regions, including parts of South America, North Africa, North America, and the Antarctic Peninsula, faced drastic heat, with temperature spikes around 7.2°F (4°C) above the average. The severe heat affected tens of millions, leading to numerous heat-related ailments and deaths. The record-breaking July is part of a four-decade trend of human-caused warming primarily fueled by greenhouse gas emissions. The five hottest Julys since 1880 all occurred within the last five years.

“Climate change is affecting people and ecosystems globally, with escalating impacts expected as warming continues,” stated Katherine Calvin, chief scientist and senior climate advisor at NASA’s Headquarters in Washington. “NASA is committed to monitoring climate change and its factors, such as greenhouse gases, and to sharing this information to assist future planning.”

Gathering and Analyzing Data

NASA compiles its temperature records from surface air temperature data collected from tens of thousands of meteorological stations and sea surface temperature data from ship- and buoy-based instruments. These raw data are scrutinized to account for uneven temperature station distribution globally and possible distortions caused by urban heating.

“This July was the hottest month in our records dating back to 1880,” declared GISS Director Gavin Schmidt. “The signs are clear that this warming is not normal. The substantial global warming is primarily driven by human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, leading to perilous heat extremes experienced globally.”

Ocean Temperatures and the Impact of El Niño

The warmth of ocean surfaces added to July’s record temperatures. NASA’s research reveals notably warm ocean temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific, marking evidence of the El Niño that began forming in May 2023. While El Niño or La Niña may contribute minor fluctuations to global temperatures annually, these effects are generally not apparent during their formation in the Northern Hemisphere summer. NASA predicts the most substantial impacts of El Niño to be felt in February, March, and April of 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about July 2023

More about July 2023

• NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies
• GISTEMP Analysis
• El Niño and Climate
• President Biden’s Climate Agenda
• NASA’s Earth Observatory