July 2024: Record-Breaking Heatwave Spurs Global Response

The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) also reported that July 2024 was the second warmest July in its data set, just 0.04°C below the record set in July 2023.

July 2024 has been recorded as one of the hottest months ever observed globally, reflecting the accelerating impact of climate change. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), July 2024 surpassed all previous records, being 0.03°C warmer than July 2023 and potentially the warmest month on record since 1850. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) also reported that July 2024 was the second warmest July in its data set, just 0.04°C below the record set in July 2023.

This extreme heat event is part of a troubling trend, with global temperatures setting records for 14 consecutive months, breaking the previous longest streak from May 2015 to May 2016. The global average temperature reached 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels in July 2024. This heatwave has brought unprecedented conditions, with Death Valley in California reporting a record average monthly temperature of 42.5°C (108.5°F), potentially the highest ever recorded globally.

The heat has triggered a cascade of impacts across various continents:

Asia: Japan experienced its highest monthly average temperature in recorded history, surpassing records set the previous year. China and India also reported their warmest Julys on record, with extreme heat continuing into August. Pakistan and Iran faced repeated heatwaves, with Bahrain recording its hottest July since 1902.

Africa: Morocco endured severe heatwaves, with temperatures reaching as high as 47.6°C in Marrakech. This followed a cooler start to the month, exacerbating the heat stress on residents.

Europe: The Mediterranean region and the Balkans saw extended heatwaves, with records set in Greece, Hungary, Slovenia, and other countries. Spain’s Barcelona recorded a new maximum temperature of 40.0°C, while France’s first heatwave of the year impacted the Paris Olympics.

North America: The US saw about 165 million people under heat alerts, with more than 80 temperature records set. Death Valley’s record average temperature and a new record for consecutive days over 40.5°C in Las Vegas highlighted the severe conditions. The heat also contributed to significant wildfire activity, with large fires burning across Canada.

South America: Some regions experienced unusually high temperatures for winter, with anomalies reaching up to 10°C above average. Bolivia and Brazil faced unprecedented fire activity, while southern Peru and parts of Argentina and Chile experienced severe cold weather early in the month.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the need for urgent action, stating that "Earth is becoming hotter and more dangerous for everyone, everywhere." The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has called for enhanced heat-health early warning systems, with estimates suggesting that scaling up such systems could save 98,000 lives annually. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo has stressed the dual need to address immediate climate impacts and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat the root causes of extreme weather.

As the world grapples with the ongoing effects of climate change, July 2024 stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive climate action and adaptation strategies to mitigate the risks posed by extreme heat and other climate-related hazards.