By Sumavaya Iqbal 
Sunday, July 21, 2024, has set a new record as the hottest day ever globally, according to preliminary data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The global average surface air temperature on that day reached 17.09 degrees Celsius (62.76 degrees Fahrenheit), slightly higher than the previous record of 17.08 C (62.74 F) set last July.
Intense Heatwaves Across the Globe
Large areas of the United States, Europe, and Russia have been hit hard by severe heatwaves over the past week. These extreme temperatures have led to significant challenges for infrastructure, public health, and natural ecosystems.
Official Confirmation of Record Temperatures
The Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed to Reuters that Sunday’s temperature broke the previous daily average record set last year. These records, dating back to 1940, provide a historical context for understanding the unprecedented nature of current climate trends.
Rising Temperatures: A Yearly Phenomenon
The previous year saw a series of record-breaking days from July 3 through July 6, driven by the accelerating pace of climate change due to fossil fuel emissions. Since June 2023, each month has been the hottest on record for that month, highlighting a persistent increase in global temperatures.
The Influence of Climate Change and El Nino
Some scientists predict that 2024 may surpass 2023 as the hottest year on record. The combination of ongoing climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon, which ended in April, has contributed to soaring temperatures worldwide. This alarming trend emphasizes the urgent need for robust climate policies and actions.