Scientists confirm hottest year on record after twelfth consecutive record-breaking month

NASA, NOAA, and the UK Met Office jointly confirmed on Thursday that the current year is the hottest in the 175-year instrumental record, with a global mean temperature 1.7 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, surpassing the previous record set in 2023 by 0.14 degrees Celsius.

The confirmation followed twelve consecutive months in which global average temperatures exceeded any previously recorded value for the corresponding calendar month. The dataset supporting the determination drew on readings from more than 20,000 surface weather stations and ocean buoys worldwide, maintained across three independent agencies on two continents.

The lead climate scientist at NASA's Goddard Institute described the 0.14-degree margin over the prior record as unambiguous.

A group of atmospheric scientists from three institutions filed a formal reanalysis request this week, contending that satellite measurements of the lower troposphere and surface station records diverged by up to 0.18 degrees Celsius. NASA and NOAA acknowledged receipt of the request. Both agencies noted that the satellite record and the surface station network measure different atmospheric layers, and that the surface station methodology represents the internationally agreed standard for surface temperature assessment.

The joint confirmation by the three agencies was described by climate researchers as consistent with observed trends in ocean heat content, sea ice extent, and extreme weather frequency recorded throughout the year.