August joint hottest month on record globally

August 2023 was recorded as the joint hottest month on Earth, matching the temperature levels observed in July of the same year. The global average temperature for August reached the same unprecedented high as the previous month, marking a rare occurrence of two consecutive months sharing the record for warmth.

Temperature measurements from a network of land, ocean, and satellite observations indicated that the planet’s surface temperature was consistently above the long‑term average throughout August. The heat was widespread, affecting regions across all continents and contributing to a series of extreme weather events during the month.

Scientists noted that the back‑to‑back record‑tying months are part of a broader trend of rising global temperatures linked to human‑driven climate change. The data reinforce the pattern of accelerating warming that has been documented over recent decades, with each successive year setting new benchmarks for heat.

Analyses suggest that the current trajectory makes it likely for additional temperature records to be broken in the coming months. Ongoing monitoring will determine whether the warming trend continues to produce new highs as the year progresses.

The findings underscore the importance of continued observation and reporting on global climate indicators, as they provide essential information for understanding the pace and scale of planetary warming.