Earth's Northern Hemisphere recorded its hottest summer ever in August

 The world's oceans, covering over 70% of the Earth's surface, also reached record-breaking temperatures, averaging nearly 21 degrees Celsius.

In Short

• August's temperatures were approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius higher
• The world's oceans also reached record-breaking temperatures
• Scientists attribute this escalating heat to human-induced climate change

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has announced that the Northern Hemisphere experienced its hottest summer ever recorded, with August 2023 being the warmest month in history.

This follows July 2023, which was the second hottest month ever measured.

August's temperatures were approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial averages, a threshold that global efforts are striving to avoid surpassing. However, scientists emphasise that long-term trends are more significant than monthly fluctuations.