July 21 shatters all records to become hottest day in world's history

On Sunday, July 21, the world experienced the hottest day ever recorded globally, according to preliminary data from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service.

The global average surface air temperature on Sunday reached 17.09°C (62.76°F), surpassing the previous record of 17.08°C (62.74°F) set last July.

Heatwaves have affected large areas of the United States, Europe, and Russia over the past week.

Copernicus confirmed to Reuters that the record daily temperature average from last year was surpassed on Sunday, based on records dating back to 1940.

Last year saw four consecutive days break the record from July 3 to July 6, as climate change, fueled by the burning of fossil fuels, caused extreme heat across the Northern Hemisphere.

Copernicus reported that every month since June 2023—13 consecutive months—has been the hottest on record compared to the same months in previous years.

Some scientists suggest that 2024 could surpass 2023 as the hottest year on record due to climate change and the El Niño natural weather phenomenon, which ended in April, pushing temperatures even higher this year.