The heat goes on: June toastiest on record, July may follow
WASHINGTON (AP) — Meteorologists say Earth sizzled to its hottest June on record this year.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Thursday announced that June averaged 60.6 degrees (15.9 Celsius), about 1.7 degrees (0.9 Celsius) warmer than the 20th century average.
It beat out 2016 for the hottest June with records going back to 1880. Europe shattered June temperature records by far.
Scientists say the record heat is what is expected with man-made climate change.
The first half of 2019 is tied with 2017 for the second hottest initial six months of the year, behind 2016. So far the year is 1.7 degrees warmer than the 20th century average.
The United States set a record for the most rain and snow over a 12-month period.