August 2026 sets record as hottest month globally

In August 2026, the world recorded an unprecedented average air temperature of 16.96 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest month ever documented. This extreme heat was attributed to global warming and a strong El Niño effect. The sea surface temperature also reached a record average of 21.07 degrees Celsius. Many regions in Western and Central Europe experienced severe drought and forest fires, highlighting the significant impact of climate change on the environment.