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Rabat – Last month was the warmest January ever recorded globally, according to a climate bulletin published by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
The average global surface air temperature in January 2024 reached 13.14°C, which is 0.70°C higher than the 1991-2020 average for January. This surpasses the previous record of 0.12°C set in January 2020.
This continues the trend of each month breaking temperature records, as this is the eighth consecutive month that has been the warmest on record. While January 2024 was cooler than the previous six months of 2023, it was still much warmer than any January prior to July 2023.
Compared to pre-industrial levels, January 2024 was a drastic 1.66°C warmer than estimated averages between 1850-1900. This highlights the rapid pace of climate change in recent years.
C3S also reported that the last 12 month period from February 2023 to January 2024 was the hottest on record, at 0.64°C above 1991-2020 averages. This emphasizes the persistence of above-average temperatures.
The monthly climate bulletin by C3S analyzes data from satellites, ships, aircraft and weather stations around the world. C3S implements the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts on behalf of the European Commission.
Regional Temperature Variations
While the globe as a whole saw record heat, temperatures varied across different regions of Europe. Nordic countries experienced well below average temperatures, while southern Europe saw much warmer than average conditions.
Areas outside Europe that were significantly warmer than normal include eastern Canada, northwestern Africa, the Middle East and central Asia. Cooler than average temperatures occurred in western Canada, the central United States and eastern Siberia.
El Niño conditions have begun weakening in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. However, global sea surface temperatures remain at unusually high levels.
Sea Ice Extent
In the Arctic, sea ice extent was close to the long-term average for January. This was the highest extent measured for January since 2009.
Antarctica continued to see below average sea ice, with January 2024 extent 18% lower than normal. This is the sixth lowest on record, but far above the record low set in January 2023.
Heavy Rains and Snowmelt Cause Flooding
The bulletin also analyzed global precipitation and hydrological patterns. Several regions including western and southern Europe saw well above average rainfall. This led to flooding in some areas, especially when combined with snowmelt.
Other parts of the world that experienced excessive wetness include western and southeastern United States, southeast South America, southeast Africa and eastern Australia.
Meanwhile, drier than normal conditions contributed to devastating wildfires in Chile and Australia. The Horn of Africa, Arabian Peninsula and south central Asia also saw below average precipitation.
Rapid Action Necessary
Experts emphasize that immediate steps must be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and halt global temperature rise. The series of broken temperature records illustrates the increasing dangers of climate change.
Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of C3S, commented: “2024 starts with another record-breaking month – not only is it the warmest January on record but we have also just experienced a 12-month period of more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial reference period. Rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are the only way to stop global temperatures increasing.”
