Temperature Extremes 2023

Warmer-than-average temperatures are showing up locally and globally, with consequences for people, landscapes, and ecosystems.
Charting the Exceptional, Unexpected Heat of 2023 and 2024
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Charting the Exceptional, Unexpected Heat of 2023 and 2024

Global temperatures have soared in recent years and climate scientists are trying to understand why.

Published Nov 19, 2024

Image of the Day Atmosphere Heat Temperature Extremes

Heat Blankets Australia, Fuels Bushfires
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Heat Blankets Australia, Fuels Bushfires

An early summer heatwave contributed to the country’s already active fire season.

Published Dec 20, 2023

Image of the Day Heat Temperature Extremes

Stressful Summer for Coral Reefs
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Stressful Summer for Coral Reefs

The seas around Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas saw large accumulations of heat stress beginning in summer 2023, with implications for the health of coral reefs.

Published Oct 13, 2023

Image of the Day Water Temperature Extremes

Summer 2023 Was the Hottest on Record
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Summer 2023 Was the Hottest on Record

June, July, and August were 0.23°C (0.41°F) warmer than any other summer in NASA’s record.

Published Sep 14, 2023

Image of the Day Heat Temperature Extremes

Heat Dome Descends on Central U.S.
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Heat Dome Descends on Central U.S.

Extreme temperatures and humidity affected millions of people in the Midwest, Great Plains, and South in August 2023.

Published Aug 25, 2023

Image of the Day Heat Human Presence Temperature Extremes

July 2023 Was the Hottest Month on Record
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July 2023 Was the Hottest Month on Record

Earth in July 2023 was 1.18°C (2.12°F) warmer than the average for the month, and warmer than any other month in the 143-year record.

Published Aug 14, 2023

Image of the Day Heat Temperature Extremes

Relentless Heat in the Southwest
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Relentless Heat in the Southwest

The desert Southwest endured more than three weeks of extreme temperatures in July 2023.

Published Jul 27, 2023

Image of the Day Heat Temperature Extremes

Summer Temperatures Arrive Early
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Summer Temperatures Arrive Early

Record-breaking heat stifled western U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

Published May 17, 2023

Image of the Day Heat Land Human Presence Temperature Extremes