March 2024 Records Hottest Temperatures Ever, States EU Climate Service

The latest findings from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) have revealed that March 2024 stands as the hottest March ever recorded. This announcement comes as part of a report published by the organization on Tuesday, highlighting a concerning trend of escalating temperatures globally.

According to the report, March 2024 marks the tenth consecutive month of unprecedented warmth across the planet. This trend, beginning in June 2023, has seen a continual increase in temperatures, with February 2024 also claiming the title of the hottest February in history.

Surpassing the previous record set in March 2016, the surface air temperature in March 2024 was noted to be 0.10°C higher. The report also shed light on the alarming state of sea ice extent, which has been on a downward trajectory since 2017.

“C3S data reveals that March 2024 exhibited global temperatures surpassing any previous March in the recorded data, with an average ERA5 surface air temperature of 14.14°C,” stated the report.

Furthermore, the report highlighted notable weather anomalies, including above-average rainfall in western Europe, with storms causing heavy precipitation over the Iberian Peninsula and southern France.

Regarding sea ice extent, March 2024 saw the annual maximum reach, albeit slightly below average. Notably, Arctic sea ice extent recorded its highest March extent since 2013, while Antarctic sea ice extent remained significantly below average, continuing a concerning trend observed since 2017.

The findings underscore the urgent need for concerted global action to address the escalating climate crisis, as record-breaking temperatures and environmental anomalies become increasingly commonplace.