August ties July as Earth's hottest month
August 2026 tied with July 2023 as the hottest month on record, according to Copernicus, with a global average 1.65 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. June and July 2026 were also among the hottest for their months, and NOAA declared the hottest summer on record for the United States. Researchers estimate as many as 35,000 heat-related deaths in Germany, France and Spain this summer, and record fires and warm sea surface temperatures were reported. A strengthening El Niño, forecast to reach record strength, is expected to add further heat and raise the likelihood of new temperature records next year.
Global average temperature was 1.65°C above preindustrial levels.
Context
Scientists have recorded several monthly heat records this summer. El Niño is strengthening and will add extra heat. Next year may see even higher global temperatures.
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