The average temperature in the continental United States in July was 24.9°C, making it the highest figure in the 132-year history of observations. Bloomberg reports this, citing the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, writes UNN.
Details
The July figure was approximately 1.7°C higher than the 20th-century average and 0.06°C higher than the previous record, set in July 1936 during the period known as the Dust Bowl.
This is exactly what we expect on a warming planet. In a few years, this July will look cool
Throughout July, the United States experienced several periods of extreme heat, including a heat dome at the beginning of the month and widespread warnings about dangerous temperatures at the end of July.
Temperature records and forecast
The average daytime temperature in the United States in July reached 31.9°C, while the average nighttime temperature was the highest on record at 16.8°C.
Scientists note that the 1936 record had a different cause. At that time, unsustainable agricultural practices, which caused large areas of land to lose their vegetation cover, helped intensify the heat and drought.
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At the same time, modern heat waves are linked to long-term global warming. A Climate Central study showed that in 43 U.S. cities, climate change at least doubled the likelihood of extreme temperatures lasting a week or longer.
NOAA forecasts that temperatures in the central and southern regions of the United States will likely be above average in August. Experts also warn that the combination of heat domes, the El Niño phenomenon, and climate change could contribute to the setting of new temperature records.
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