Earth Records Hottest August on Record, WMO Warns of Growing Climate Risks

Dragon Media News Desk

Earth experienced its hottest August on record, according to newly released climate data from the World Meteorological Organization, which said the effects of unusually high temperatures were felt across multiple regions of the world.

The WMO said the Northern Hemisphere recorded its warmest summer on record, while the Southern Hemisphere experienced a winter that was close to record warmth. Both the Arctic and Antarctic also recorded below-average sea ice coverage in August.

Western Europe faced intense heatwaves during the month, extending an exceptional period of extreme heat that began in May. Severe drought conditions were reported in France, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Britain.

Large parts of central and eastern Europe also experienced widespread dryness in August, with some areas facing persistent dry conditions since May. Water levels in major European rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Southern Bug and Dnieper, fell to exceptionally low levels.

According to the WMO, El Niño was among the factors influencing the record climate conditions in August. The climate pattern also affected global tropical cyclone activity and contributed to heavy rainfall and flooding in some countries.

The data further highlighted the longer-term warming trend. All 10 of the warmest Augusts on record have occurred since 2016, the WMO said.

The simultaneous occurrence of extreme heat, shrinking sea ice, drought, low river flows, heavy rainfall and flooding in different regions underscores the increasing pressure on the global climate system.

The developments also point to the growing importance of stronger climate adaptation, water-resource management, food security planning and disaster preparedness as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.