Scorching Records: July 21 Becomes Hottest Day Ever

On Sunday, July 21, the global average surface air temperature reached a new high of 17.09 degrees Celsius, breaking the previous record. Copernicus Climate Change Service reports that ongoing heatwaves and climate change have driven unprecedented heat levels. Experts predict 2024 might surpass 2023 as the hottest year.

Sunday, July 21 has etched its place in history as the hottest day ever recorded globally, according to preliminary data from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service. The global average surface air temperature peaked at 17.09 degrees Celsius (62.76 degrees Fahrenheit) – narrowly edging out the previous record set last July.

Vast regions across the United States, Europe, and Russia have experienced intense heatwaves over the past week. Copernicus confirmed to Reuters that the recently set daily temperature record surpassed the one documented last year, dating back to records from 1940.

Last July witnessed a sequence of record-breaking days from July 3 through July 6, driven primarily by climate change and the extensive use of fossil fuels. The trend has continued with every month since June 2023 ranking as the hottest for its respective month in history. Experts caution that 2024 may even exceed 2023 temperatures, fueled by climate change and the recently concluded El Nino phenomenon.

(With inputs from agencies.)