Global Heat Records and Fire Season Impact

July 2023 was marked by unprecedented heat globally, with Portland experiencing its hottest July on record despite below-average temperatures in the last ten days of the month. Houston also faced extreme heat due to a high-pressure heat dome, pushing 'feels like' temperatures above 107°F. Globally, July 21 was recorded as the hottest day ever, breaking the previous record set just the day before, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Over the past 13 months, each month has set new temperature records, largely attributed to climate change and the lingering effects of El Niño. In addition to heat, the Pacific Northwest saw a severe fire season with over 1.4 million acres burned. Meanwhile, some areas like Chandigarh, India, recorded the driest and hottest July in five years due to weak monsoon conditions.