NASA: 2016 breaks all climate records
The first half of 2016 was the warmest since measurements began - and not just on average: every single month set a new temperature record. And the trend continues: July just past was the warmest month since records began.
Startling figures from NASA: July was the warmest month ever recorded - since measurements began in 1880. It was 0.84°C warmer on global average than the long-term average for 1950 bs 1980 and 0.11°C warmer than the previous record month - July 2015.
If this news doesn't sound new, it's no wonder - in the past ten months, every single month has been the warmest of its kind. After 2014 and 2015 were each the hottest year ever recorded, 2016 is again shaping up to be a new heat record. According to NASA experts, the odds of that happening are 99%. Overall, temperatures in the first half of 2016 were about 1.3°C higher than in the late 19th century.
Part of the blame for the new temperature record lies with the weather phenomenon El Niño, which was particularly strong this year. NASA climate expert Gavin Schmidt, director of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York, however, believes that the greater part is due to climate change. He warns, for example, that even in 2017, when the effects of El Niño have passed, temperatures can be expected to be around 1°C above the pre-industrial era - and thus only half a degree below the benchmark set at the Paris climate summit.
Switzerland: July above average
In Switzerland, the 2016 spring temperature averaged within the range of the 1981-2010 norm. July 2016, on the other hand, reached the highest temperature according to Federal Office of Meorology and Climatology about 0.9°C higher temperatures than average July 1981-2010.
The previous record years in Switzerland were recorded in 2011 (+1.21°C), 2014 (+1.25°C) and 2015 (+1.21°C). The figures have been valid since measurements began in 1864.
