Global temperatures in 2016 have reached a peak high of 0.8 degrees Celsius above their level in the period between 1961 and 1990. This is the second year in a row to produce record global temperatures – although there isn’t a significant increase from 2015, according to the study authors. Warmer global temperatures in 2016 were the result of the climate change-induced long-term temperature rise, combined with a temporary boost from a major El Niño event. Exceptionally warm temperatures were also observed in the Arctic in 2016.
Authors:
John Kennedy, Robert Dunn, Mark McCarthy, Holly Titchner, Colin Morice
Lead author:
John Kennedy, Met Office Hadley Centre for Climate Science and Services, Exeter, UK, Email: john.kennedy@metoffice.gov.uk
Original paper published in Weather on August 8, 2017.
