July 21 Sets New Record as Hottest Day Ever

On July 21, 2024, the global average surface air temperature hit a record-breaking 17.09°C (62.76°F), surpassing the previous record of 17.08°C (62.74°F) set last year, according to preliminary data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.

This new high follows a week of intense heatwaves affecting large regions of the United States, Europe, and Russia. Copernicus confirmed that this record daily temperature average has officially exceeded last year’s record, which was broken multiple times between July 3 and July 6, 2023.

Since June 2023, every month has set a new record for the hottest month globally, highlighting a troubling trend linked to climate change and extreme weather events. With climate change and the El Niño phenomenon— which ended in April—continuing to drive up temperatures, some scientists predict that 2024 could surpass 2023 as the hottest year on record.