May 2024 has set a new global temperature record, with an average surface air temperature of 15.91C. This figure is 0.65C above the 1991-2020 average for May and 0.19C higher than the previous record set in May 2020. This continues a remarkable series, as it marks the 12th consecutive month of record-breaking warmth for each respective month.
The significance of May 2024’s temperature extends beyond recent records. It is 1.52C above the estimated average for May during the pre-industrial period of 1850-1900, underscoring the long-term impact of global warming. Additionally, the global average temperature for the past 12 months (June 2023-May 2024) reached an unprecedented level, standing 0.75C above the 1991-2020 average and 1.63C above the pre-industrial baseline. This period represents the highest annual average temperature recorded, highlighting an alarming trend in climate change.
