June 2024: A Month of Unprecedented Climate Extremes
The global climate in June 2024 set new records, highlighting the accelerating impacts of climate change. According to the latest data, temperatures soared to unprecedented levels, with Africa, Asia, and South America experiencing their warmest June on record. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for global environmental action.
Unprecedented Global Temperatures
The global surface temperature for June 2024 was 2.20°F (1.22°C) above the 20th-century average, making it the warmest June in recorded history. This marks the 13th consecutive month of record-high global temperatures. Significant warming was observed across most of the globe, except for regions like western Canada, southern South America, and parts of Antarctica. Notably, Africa, Asia, and South America each reported their highest June temperatures ever, while Europe experienced its second warmest June.
Persistent Ocean Warming
June 2024 also marked the 15th consecutive month of record-high sea surface temperatures. The global oceans have been exceptionally warm since April 2023, contributing to various climatic anomalies. While most ocean regions recorded above-average temperatures, parts of the tropical and southeastern Pacific experienced slightly below-average temperatures.
Diminished Snow and Ice Coverage
The extent of snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere was the 12th smallest on record, with Eurasia and North America showing significant declines. The snow cover reductions were most pronounced, except for regions like western Siberia and parts of China, Pakistan, and far-western Canada, which saw above-average snow cover.
Similarly, global sea ice extent in June 2024 was the second smallest in the 46-year satellite record, covering 8.75 million square miles—810,000 square miles below the 1991–2020 average. Both Arctic and Antarctic sea ice extents were below average, with the Antarctic sea ice extent ranking as the second lowest on record.
Tropical Cyclone Activity
Global tropical cyclone activity in June 2024 was below average, with only two named storms, both occurring in the Atlantic Basin. The first, Tropical Storm Alberto, made landfall in northern Mexico. The second, Hurricane Beryl, became a Category 5 storm, causing extensive damage across the Windward Islands and setting the record as the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane.
Conclusion
June 2024's climatic anomalies highlight the growing urgency to address climate change. With record-high temperatures, diminishing snow and ice coverage, and intensified weather events, it is imperative for global leaders and communities to take decisive action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable practices.
June 2024 experienced record-high temperatures globally, marking it as the warmest June on record. Africa, Asia, and South America saw their warmest June ever. Sea surface temperatures remained record high for the 15th consecutive month. The Northern Hemisphere's snow cover and global sea ice extent were below average, with global tropical cyclone activity also below average, featuring only two named storms.
- Temperature: The global surface temperature was 2.20°F (1.22°C) above the 20th-century average, with widespread above-average temperatures except in regions like western Canada and eastern Antarctica. The mid-troposphere temperatures were also at record highs.
- Snow Cover: The Northern Hemisphere's snow cover extent was the 12th smallest on record, particularly low in Eurasia and North America.
- Sea Ice: Global sea ice extent was the second smallest on record, with significant reductions in both Arctic and Antarctic regions.
- Tropical Cyclones: Two named storms were recorded, both in the Atlantic Basin, with Hurricane Beryl becoming the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record.
FAQs
Q: How significant was the temperature rise in June 2024? A: The global surface temperature was 2.20°F (1.22°C) above the 20th-century average, making it the warmest June on record.
Q: Which regions experienced record-high temperatures? A: Africa, Asia, and South America had their warmest June on record, while Europe experienced its second warmest June.
Q: What was notable about the sea surface temperatures? A: Sea surface temperatures were record warm for the 15th consecutive month, with most areas experiencing above-average temperatures.
Q: How did snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere fare? A: The Northern Hemisphere's snow cover extent in June was the 12th smallest on record, with significant reductions in Eurasia and North America.
Q: What were the notable events in global tropical cyclone activity? A: Only two named storms occurred globally, both in the Atlantic Basin. Hurricane Beryl became the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record, causing severe damage across the Windward Islands.
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