Lubbock saw its hottest year ever recorded in 2024, beating a record set 90 years ago. One meteorologist says the city's growth plays a role.

Global average precipitation in 2024 may have broken the previous record set in 1998, as rising temperatures boosted the amount of moisture in the atmosphere

Earth's temperature was neary 3 degrees F higher than it was just 100 years ago. Also it was the wettest year on record. Global moisture content has increased 7% in just the last 30 years, meaning more intense downpours and floods.

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.