2024 Marks Record Temperatures and Extreme Weather Events in the U.S.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that 2024 was the warmest year on record for the mainland United States, with an average temperature of 55.5°F, 3.5°F above average. The year also experienced a series of weather extremes, including an abundance of tornadoes, wildfires, and hurricanes, indicative of a worsening climate crisis necessitating prompt action from major polluters.

In a recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it has been confirmed that 2024 set a record for the highest average temperatures across the mainland United States, reaching 55.5 degrees Fahrenheit (13.1 degrees Celsius), which is a staggering 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit above the long-term average. This extreme weather year was marked by a sequence of significant climatic events, including a record-setting number of tornadoes, destructive hurricanes, and severe wildfires, with significant rainfall leading to flooding and drought below.

The report from NOAA indicates that the year 2024 was significantly impacted by climate change, reflected in both temperature rises and increased atmospheric instability. The environment observed two critical thresholdsbreached, including a surge in global average temperatures documented by Europe’s climate monitoring service, Copernicus. These alarming changes coincide with broader climate trends that stress the urgency for immediate action to mitigate catastrophic outcomes from global warming. The echoes of these shifts highlight the crucial responsibility of major polluters, notably the United States, to engage in meaningful climate policy reforms.

In summary, the year 2024 was marked by unprecedented climatic extremes in the United States, characterized by record-high temperatures and devastating weather events. This situation underscores the urgent need for decisive actions in mitigating climate change, particularly from historically significant emitters such as the United States. As global temperatures continue to rise, the challenge remains to adhere to international climate goals while addressing the immediate impacts on communities across the nation.

Original Source: www.france24.com