July was the warmest month ever recorded, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The average temperature across land and ocean surfaces reached 16.61 degrees F., which tops the previous high set in 1998 by 0.14 degrees. While July is usually the warmest month of the year, the researchers note that this is the highest temperature recorded since measurements began to be taken in 1880.
Additionally, the researchers note that while land surface temperatures in July were only the 6th highest on record, the ocean surface temperature was a full 1.35 degrees F. higher than the 20th century average and the highest sea temperature ever recorded. The NOAA points to significant warming in the Pacific and Indian oceans as the main driver behind this large increase.
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