Meteorological associations have reported 2024 as the hottest year on record since humans started keeping track. Scientists say this likely puts Earth at greater risk of more extreme heat waves, hurricanes and significant loss of biodiversity.

Earth's average surface temperature in 2024 was the warmest on record, according to an analysis led by NASA scientists.

Earth recorded its hottest year on record in 2024, with such a big jump that the planet temporarily passed a major climate threshold, weather monitoring agencies announced Friday.

Earth experienced its hottest year on record, surpassing previous highs with an average temperature 1.28 degrees Celsius above the 20th-century norm. This historical peak is a stark reminder of the urgent need to understand and mitigate our impact on the planet,

In 2024 across northern Arizona, average temperatures were far above normal. For many locations, the year was in the top three warmest on record.

For much of central Appalachia, 2024 was a year marked by drought conditions followed by intense, catastrophic rain. For many places it was also the hottest year on record. Scientists say extremes like these are likely symptoms of a changing climate.

The National Weather Service in Sacramento released its 2024 climate report and heat is the main story. Temperature data is compiled from January to the end of December. Each year, various metrics of the weather are recorded and preserved to gauge records for areas and — just as important — averages.