NASA noted that a particularly strong El Niño — a natural climate fluctuation — that began in fall 2023 likely pushed the average temperature up in 2024. Plus, scientists are still studying the effects of events like the January 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption,

Meteorological associations have reported 2024 as the hottest year on record since humans started keeping track. Scientists say this likely puts Earth at greater risk of more extreme heat waves, hurricanes and significant loss of biodiversity.

Earth recorded its hottest year on record in 2024, with such a big jump that the planet temporarily passed a major climate threshold, weather monitoring agencies announced Friday.

Lubbock saw its hottest year ever recorded in 2024, beating a record set 90 years ago. One meteorologist says the city's growth plays a role.

U.S. and the third hottest in Massachusetts, according to data from NASA and NOAA. New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont saw their warmest years in the 130-year historical record.

For much of central Appalachia, 2024 was a year marked by drought conditions followed by intense, catastrophic rain. For many places it was also the hottest year on record. Scientists say extremes like these are likely symptoms of a changing climate.