NEW DELHI: Analysis of preliminary data from the ERA5 dataset has revealed that July 21, 2024 was the hottest day in Earth’s recorded history, with an average global surface air temperature of 17.09°C. This unprecedented heatwave underscores the escalating impact of climate change on global temperatures.
The ERA5 dataset, maintained by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), provides comprehensive climate and weather data dating back to 1940. This latest record surpasses previous temperature highs and highlights the ongoing trend of rising global temperatures.
July 2024 has been characterised by extreme heatwaves across various parts of the world, contributing to this record-breaking day. Regions such as southern Europe, Southeast Asia, northern Africa, and the United States have experienced intense and prolonged heatwaves, leading to severe weather events including wildfires in Greece, Canada, and Algeria.
The United Nations and other climate agencies have been closely monitoring the situation.
UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres recently warned that “humanity is in the hot seat,” emphasizing the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change. He described the current period as the “era of global boiling,” reflecting the severe and immediate impacts of rising temperatures.
Climate scientists attribute this record heat to a combination of natural climate variability and the exacerbating effects of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. The persistent rise in global temperatures is a clear indicator of the accelerating pace of climate change, with significant implications for ecosystems, human health, and economies worldwide.
The record-breaking temperatures have also been accompanied by unusually high global sea surface temperatures, further contributing to the overall warming trend. Even Antarctica, currently in its winter season, has reported higher-than-average temperatures, adding to the global heat anomaly.
As the world grapples with these extreme conditions, the need for robust climate action and adaptation strategies has never been more critical.
Agencies

Agencies