In a concerning development, the world has just witnessed the hottest March on record, marking the tenth consecutive month of record-breaking warmth, according to the European Union climate agency. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported that the average surface air temperature globally reached 14.14 degrees Celsius for March. This figure is 0.73 degrees Celsius higher than the 1991-2020 average for March and surpasses the previous high set in March 2016 by 0.10 degrees Celsius.
Moreover, not only was March exceptionally warm, but the global average temperature over the past twelve months (April 2023 – March 2024) also hit an unprecedented high. It stands at 0.70°C above the 1991-2020 average and a staggering 1.58°C above the pre-industrial levels of 1850-1900.
Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of Copernicus Climate Service (C3S), emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the sequence of climate records being broken continues unabated. She highlighted that the global average temperature has soared to unprecedented levels, sounding a clarion call for urgent action to curb greenhouse gas emissions to halt further warming.
While the global trends are alarming, Europe, too, felt the heat, registering as the second warmest March on record for the continent. The average European temperature for March 2024 was 2.12°C above the 1991-2020 average, just marginally cooler than March 2014 by 0.02°C. Notably, temperatures in central and eastern regions of Europe were consistently above average, exacerbating concerns about climate change impacts.
Beyond Europe, various regions worldwide experienced above-average temperatures, including eastern North America, Greenland, eastern Russia, Central America, parts of South America, numerous African regions, southern Australia, and segments of Antarctica. This widespread warming underscores the global nature of climate change and its far-reaching consequences.
Despite the weakening of El Nino conditions in the eastern equatorial Pacific, marine air temperatures remained notably elevated, contributing to the overall warming trend. The global sea surface temperature averaged over the region between 60°S-60°N reached a historic high of 21.07°C for March, surpassing the previous record set in February.
As the world grapples with the relentless rise in temperatures, experts reiterate the urgent need for decisive action to mitigate climate change’s impacts. The findings underscore the importance of global cooperation and concerted efforts to transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon future to safeguard the planet for future generations.
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