Since there are average global temperature records, this past July has been half tied with the previous July of 2016. We could talk that it has been just as hot, however, and sticking to the strictest figures, it has exceeded by 0,01ºC. However, the curious thing about this data is not in itself what it represents, that it has been the warmest month of July, but that it was not foreseen.
Just a few months ago, we published about what it was unlikely, that 2017 would turn into a year of temperature recordsalthough it would also be warm. Local records have been recorded, some national, but July confirms that if these temperatures are subsiding, they are doing so slowly. Global mean records date from 1880, since before the measurements that existed did not cover the planet sufficiently. For this reason, this month of July has been the warmest of the period 1880-2017.
Similar temperatures in all months
Global average temperatures per month since 1880
With the exception of July, all previous months in 2017 have been equal to or more than a tenth of a percent colder than the same months in 2016. In the graph provided by the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), the Surface Temperature Analysis Department (GISTEMP) has prepared this graph where a near tie with last July 2016 can be observed regarding the unusually high temperature.
The report of such phenomenon can be found on the official website of this NASA department on their website. Its monthly analysis corresponds to the records of 6.300 meteorological stations located around the world. Some of the measuring instruments are found on buoys, ships, and even Antarctic research stations.
In addition, it is important to consider how the origin of global warming contributes to these changes in average temperatures.
Although the previous graphic is very self-explanatory, NASA created this animation earlier this year. It shows the different average global temperatures since 1880. The changes we are experiencing are more than evident. This makes it crucial to understand the differences between climate change and global warming to adequately address these issues.
