Archive · 10 Sep 2026
August 2026 Ties July 2023 as Warmest Month Recorded
Scientists said August 2026 was as hot worldwide as July 2023, the hottest month previously recorded.
The planet’s average air temperature was 1.65°C higher than it was before large-scale industrial pollution.
This was the first time since November 2025 that a month passed 1.5°C above that older average.
Oceans outside the polar regions were also unusually warm.
Their average surface temperature reached 21.07°C, a record for August.
Scientists linked the heat mainly to greenhouse gases from burning coal, oil, and gas.
A developing El Niño weather pattern in the Pacific added more warmth.
Climate officials warned that continued fossil-fuel use could lead to more extreme heat and damage to people and services.
August 2026 tied July 2023 as the warmest month ever recorded, according to Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Global average surface air temperature was 1.65°C above the estimated pre-industrial baseline.
August was the first month since November 2025 to exceed 1.5°C above the pre-industrial average.
Non-polar sea surface temperatures reached a record August high of 21.07°C, surpassing the 2023 record of 20.98°C.
Greenhouse gas emissions and developing El Niño conditions were cited as key contributors to the exceptional warmth.
- Who
- The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported the temperature record, while United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell commented on its significance.
- What
- August 2026 tied July 2023 as the warmest month ever recorded, with record-high non-polar sea surface temperatures.
- When
- August 2026; the findings were reported on Thursday.
- Where
- Globally, including the tropical Pacific and ocean areas outside the polar regions.
- Why
- The reported warmth was attributed to long-term human-driven climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions and developing El Niño conditions.
- Global temperature anomaly
- 1.65°C above the estimated pre-industrial baseline
- Previous joint record
- July 2023
- First monthly threshold since
- November 2025
- Non-polar sea surface temperature
- 21.07°C in August 2026
- Previous August sea temperature record
- 20.98°C in 2023
- Key climate factors
- Greenhouse gas emissions and developing El Niño conditions
- Reporting organization
- Copernicus Climate Change Service