Federal meteorologists calculated that more heat records were set around the globe last month, including Earth's hottest August. May, June and August all set global heat records this year. Meteorologists said Thursday that the average world temperature in August was 61.36 degrees Fahrenheit (16.35 degrees Celsius), breaking a record set in 1998. August was especially hot in the Pacific and Indian oceans and Africa, but cooler in parts of the United States, Europe and Australia. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration records go back to 1880. The first three-quarters of 2014 are the third warmest on record. NOAA climate scientist Jake Crouch said there's a good chance that 2014 will end up as the hottest year. The world's oceans in August effectively tied last June for the seas' all-time heat record.
IN-DEPTH
- Excessive Heat Prompts Warnings in LA Valleys, Inland Empire
- Slight Drop in Temperatures Expected After Day of 'Dangerously Hot Weather'
--- The Associated Press
