Home / Editor's Pick /

On land and at sea: February breaks temperature records

09:19 PM
March 7, 2024

On land and at sea
February breaks temperature records

Temperature radar with heat warningFebruary on the TemperatureRadar was certifiably hot, with record heat on land and in the oceans.

Temperature records in February were broken on land, and at sea, with the warmest recordings in modern history.

Effects from the El Niño weather event in the Pacific Ocean were cited as a contributor to the record-breaking month, one that continues a longer trend.

On land

Since June 2023, every month has set new record air temperatures on land. In February, an average temperature 1.77°C (3.186 degrees F) warmer than pre-industrial levels.

The longer trend for air temperatures shows a 12-month average of 1.56°C (2.81 degrees F) above pre-industrial levels. Higher than the long-sought 1.5°C (2.7 degrees F) limit.

Last year, the target was also broken. From February 2023 to January 2024 an average warming of 1.52°C (2.73 degrees F) resulted in the first year-long breach of the 2015 Paris Agreement target.

First year-long breach of 1.5°C limitread more

At sea

Ocean temperatures also reached record temperatures in February with an average temperature of 21.06°C (69.9° F). Besting the previous record of 20.98°C (69.76°F) recorded in 2023.

Earlier this week, scientists from the U.S.'s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that the planet is on the verge of a fourth mass coral bleaching event due to the temperatures.

The most recent mass bleaching event occurred between 2014 and 2017 which saw an estimated 15 percent of the world’s coral reefs die.

Coral bleaching is more common during El Niño periods but rising temperatures on land also contribute. Officials say that surpassing the 1.5°C limit on warming would see an estimated 90 percent of all coral reefs perish long-term.

What is the El Niño phenomenon?

Learn more on the El Niño Southern Oscillation with this special report from Weather & Radar meteorologist Tamsin Green:

Weather & Radar USA editorial team
More on the topic
Happy Earth Day
Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Employ renewable energy

Earth Day 2025 - Our Power, Our Planet
rip current
Monday, May 26, 2025

As more head to the coast

Rip currents & safety tips
Summer brings the heat and the water activities with it!
Monday, June 2, 2025

Bye, spring!

Meteorological summer is here!
All weather news
This might also interest you
Downburst shown on the WeatherRadar.
Saturday, June 14, 2025

Downbursts

What are they & why are they dangerous
Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Flash flood risk, too

Central Plains' destructive 100 mph gusts
Happy Father's Day!
Sunday, June 15, 2025

Check the forecast

Happy Father's Day!
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.com

instagramfacebookthreadsContact uslinkList
Privacy policy | Legal info