Energy

2016 Was Earth’s Hottest Year on Record, According to NASA, NOAA

Last year was the hottest on record in terms of global average temperature, marking the third consecutive record-breaking year, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Global average temperatures for 2016 were 1.78 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0.99 degrees Celsius, warmer than the mid-20th century mean, the federal agencies said. The warming effect of El Niño during the first four months accounted for about 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0.12 Celsius, of warming.

Eight months of the year — January through May, and July through September — were the hottest months on record, according to the U.S. agencies, which compared temperatures dating back to 1880, the beginning of modern record-keeping on global temperatures.

Earlier this month, NOAA said 2016 was the second-hottest year on record for the United States.

Morning Consult