Hottest August 2024. A Climate Central seasonal analysis of how climate change boosted temperatures worldwide between June-August 2024.
June through August 2024 was Earth’s hottest season on record. Human-induced climate change was evident during this time, driven mainly by burning fossil fuels. Extreme heat affected all regions, along with heavy rainfall, deadly floods, storms, and wildfires. Climate Central’s Climate Shift Index (CSI) was used to analyze the impact of climate change on global temperatures during this period.
One in Four People Faced Climate Change-Driven Heat
One in four people on Earth had no escape from climate change-driven heat during June, July, and August 2024. Every day, they endured unusually high temperatures that were at least three times more likely due to climate change.
Hottest August 2024
On August 13, 2024, global exposure to extreme heat reached its peak. Around 4.1 billion people, or half of the world’s population, experienced unusually high temperatures, with climate change making these conditions at least three times more likely.
17 Extra Days of Risky Heat for the Average Person
The average person faced 17 additional days of risky heat due to climate change. These days had temperatures hotter than 90% of the historical range from 1991 to 2020. When temperatures surpass this local threshold, health risks significantly increase.
Over 2 Billion People Faced 30 Days of Risky Heat
More than 2 billion people, or 25% of the global population, experienced at least 30 days of extreme heat. Climate change made these events at least three times more likely. Nearly all Caribbean residents were affected, as well as 75% of the populations in Western Asia, Micronesia, Northern Africa, and Southern Europe.
Record-Breaking Heat in 72 Countries: Hottest August
In 72 countries, home to over 2.3 billion people, June through August 2024 was the hottest on record since at least 1970. People in these nations felt a strong impact from climate change, with 34 of the 92 days during this period showing significant influence.
180 Northern Hemisphere Cities Hit by Extreme Heat Waves
A total of 180 cities in the Northern Hemisphere experienced at least one dangerous heat wave, lasting five consecutive days. These heat waves, which had temperatures hotter than 99% of past records (1991-2020), are now 21 times more likely due to human-induced climate change.
2024 Likely to Surpass 2023 Heat Record
In 2023, global average temperatures reached a record high, 1.5°C warmer than levels recorded during the early industrial period (1850-1900). This marked Earth’s hottest year on record. Experts predict that 2024 will surpass 2023 as the hottest year on record. With rising global temperatures, the threat of extreme heat is becoming more dangerous.
The impact of extreme heat is increasing. In 2023, heat-related deaths in the U.S. reached a record high of 2,325. Globally, extreme heat remains one of the deadliest weather hazards. However, under-reporting in many regions makes it difficult to fully assess the scale of heat-related health issues.
June through August 2024 became the hottest season Earth has ever experienced. The planet also recorded its single hottest day on July 22, 2024. Earth’s heat streak lasted 13 consecutive months, starting in June 2023 and ending in July 2024. July 2024 was just 0.04°C cooler than the previous record set in July 2023, continuing the alarming trend of rising global temperatures.
