Global Warming

Streak of Record-Breaking Hot Months Breaks Record

On Tuesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its global temperature data for September. It shows that the month was a scant 0.07°F (0.04°C) below September 2015’s record, making it the second-warmest September on record.

That ends a streak of 16 consecutive record-setting hot months in NOAA's dataset, a record-setting streak itself. The run of planetary heat has rewritten the record books.

The run of record-setting months means 15 of the most abnormally warm months have occurred since March 2015. Accounting for ties, the only exception is January 2007 which came in tied for 11th. There has never been a run of hot months like this in the 1,641 months (or 136-plus years) of data at NOAA's disposal.

Global Warming Anticipated in 1912

A 14 August 1912 article from a New Zealand newspaper contains a brief story about how burning coal might produce future warming by adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

This article’s authenticity is supported by the fact it can be found in the digital archives of the National Library of New Zealand.