"Once again, the temperature record has been shattered — 2024 was the hottest year since record keeping began in 1880."

Last year was the warmest year on record for planet Earth. Six climate agencies around the world have confirmed that the planet experienced temperatures near 1.55 C above the pre-industrial (1850-1900) average in 2024,

The Lower 48 states had their hottest year on record in 2024, in keeping with global trends. Why it matters: The year featured numerous extreme weather events in which record warmth played a role — from the obvious,

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.

The National Weather Service in Sacramento released its 2024 climate report and heat is the main story. Temperature data is compiled from January to the end of December. Each year, various metrics of the weather are recorded and preserved to gauge records for areas and — just as important — averages.