The Fourth of July was Earth’s hottest day on record, it’s expected to continue.
In an alarming development, Earth experienced its highest temperature ever recorded by human-made instruments on Tuesday, registering a scorching 17.18 degrees Celsius or 62.92 degrees Fahrenheit.
The University of Maine Climate Analyzer’s findings initially highlighted this record-breaking heat, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a note of caution on Thursday, saying that they could not verify the data due to uncertainties in the computer modeling methodology.
“Although NOAA cannot validate the methodology or conclusion of the University of Maine analysis, we recognize that we are in a warm period due to climate change,” NOAA said.
Scientists are attributing the extreme heat to multiple factors such as the long-term impact of climate change and the El Niño weather pattern. El Niño, the eastward movement of warm water towards the western coast of the Americas, has caused temperature spikes globally. As a result, approximately 57 million Americans find themselves exposed to dangerous heat conditions. Its influence extends far beyond the United States, however, as unprecedented heatwaves and soaring temperatures have been noted across continents.
Jingxing, China, reached approximately 43.3 degrees Celsius or 110 degrees Fahrenheit, its residents feeling the effects of extreme heatwaves. Europe temperatures are climbing too, with experts predicting upper 30 degree Celsius heat (99 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas of Germany. Even the frigid temperatures of Antarctica witnessed an increase of 4.5 degrees Celsius this week.
Heat-related dangers pose a significant threat globally, making it the leading cause of weather-related fatalities, according to the Centers for Disease Control. 13 heat-related deaths have taken place in Texas, according to The Associated Press. The CDC is urging the public to follow its safety tips when outdoors, reminding everyone to stay hydrated and keep cool.
The record-breaking heat serves as a stark reminder of the severity of the climate crisis, urging people and governments to prioritize sustainable practices.