February 2024 set a new record as the warmest February globally, continuing a nine-month streak of unprecedented temperatures.

The global surface temperature reached 56.4 degrees in February, surpassing the previous record from 2016 by 0.2 degrees.

Over the past year, the average temperature has been the highest ever recorded, at 2.8 degrees above the pre-industrial average.

Human-induced climate change, combined with the El Niño effect, is primarily responsible for the ongoing temperature rise.

Ocean temperatures are also at record highs, indicating a broader trend of increasing global warmth.

While natural phenomena like El Niño and the potential La Niña may affect short-term climate patterns, human activities remain the principal cause of long-term warming.

Projections for the upcoming months suggest higher-than-average temperatures in the Northern U.S., with 2024 on track to be the second warmest year on record.

The persistent increase in global temperatures underscores the critical need for action on climate change mitigation.