New: January 2024 Warmest on Record after Eight-Month Hot Streak Globally

January 2024 marks the warmest on record, continuing a streak of eight consecutive hottest months globally. Copernicus reports an average surface air temperature of 13.14°C (55.65°F), surpassing the 2020 record by 0.22°F. The month was 1.66°C (2.99°F) warmer than pre-industrial levels.

Warmest Month

From February 2023 to January 2024, temperatures soared 1.52°C (2.74°F) above pre-industrial averages, breaching Paris Agreement goals. Despite El Niño’s weakening, global sea surface temperatures hit unprecedented highs, sparking marine heatwaves. Daily sea surface temperatures set new records since Jan. 31, reaching 20.97°C (69.75°F), surpassing January 2016 by 0.26°C (0.47°F).