Global average temperature nears 15°C in unusually warm days

The global average temperature reached nearly 15°C in recent days, well above the seasonal average of about 13.7°C, according to figures from the European climate service Copernicus reported by ANP. Five days since late October rank among the highest on record relative to the normal level for this time of year.

On Tuesday, the global average was 14.933°C, 1.155°C above the 1991–2020 average for that date. ANP reported that only one day in Copernicus’s records had previously been so far above its daily average: 17 November 2023. Four other days since late October also appear in the top 10 for the largest departures from the seasonal average.

Copernicus calculates the planet’s daily average from measurements around the world. Its records begin in 1940, covering nearly 32,000 days. The comparison is with temperatures typical for the same time of year, rather than with the late-19th-century baseline used in international climate agreements.

The report links the broader warming trend to greenhouse-gas emissions. The World Meteorological Organization says atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide have risen 53% since the start of the industrial era; methane is up 167% and nitrous oxide 26%, according to figures cited by ANP.

The figures come as the 31st United Nations climate conference is being held in Antalya, Turkey, over the next two weeks. A separately reported Dutch September was also unusually warm: De Bilt was on course for its sixth-warmest September since 1901, based on figures published before the month ended.