El Niño Weakened But Global Temperatures Keep Shattering Records

Global temperatures are continuing to break records. This is happening despite a key climate driver losing strength. April 2024 was officially the hottest April ever recorded.

That makes it the eleventh consecutive month of record-breaking heat. This relentless warming trend is pushing the planet closer to critical climate thresholds. Data from the European Union’s climate service confirms this alarming pattern.

Unprecedented Heat Persists Beyond Climate Pattern

The natural El Niño climate pattern peaked late last year. It has been weakening for months. Typically, this would lead to a slight cooling effect on global temperatures.

Yet, the opposite is occurring. April 2024 was about 1.6 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times. Each of the last twelve months now ranks as the warmest on record for that month.

This sustained heat is deeply concerning to scientists. The primary cause remains human-induced climate change from burning fossil fuels. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the records are a stark warning.

A Clear Signal of Human-Caused Climate Change

Experts say the ongoing records are a clear signal. The underlying trend of human-caused warming is now dominant. Natural patterns like El Niño simply add variation on top of this steady climb.

The oceans are also absorbing immense amounts of heat. Sea surface temperatures have been at record highs for over a year. This fuels more intense storms and disrupts marine ecosystems.

The financial and human costs are mounting globally. Extreme weather events linked to the heat are becoming more frequent and severe. This trajectory challenges international climate goals aimed at limiting warming.

The relentless march of record-setting months underscores a powerful truth: human activity is now the principal force driving the planet’s fever. As one pattern fades, the fundamental driver of rising global temperature records remains unchecked.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is causing the ongoing record heat?

The main driver is human-caused climate change from greenhouse gas emissions. Natural patterns like El Niño provided a temporary boost, but the baseline warming from human activity is now the dominant force.

How long has this record streak lasted?

April 2024 was the eleventh month in a row to set a global temperature record for that respective month. The last twelve months, as a period, are also the hottest ever recorded.

What are the impacts of this sustained heat?

Impacts include more extreme weather like heatwaves, floods, and intense storms. It also accelerates ice melt, raises sea levels, and causes widespread damage to ecosystems and coral reefs.

Are we exceeding the 1.5°C climate goal?

Individual months have temporarily exceeded the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels. However, the Paris Agreement goal refers to long-term average warming over decades, not single months or years.

Is there any hope for cooling soon?

The fading El Niño may slightly slow the record pace later in 2024. However, scientists state that without drastic cuts in emissions, the long-term trend of rising temperatures and new records will continue.

Which organizations confirmed these records?

The data comes from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Their findings are supported by analyses from other major agencies, including NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.