July ends heat streak

July 2024 was recorded as the second-hottest July in history, with average global temperatures 1.48 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service. This month marked the end of a 13-month streak of record-breaking heat, attributed primarily to human-driven greenhouse gas emissions and the El Nino phenomenon, which has since subsided. Despite the slight decrease in temperatures compared to July 2023, experts stress that climate change remains a pressing threat, with severe weather events continuing to cause devastation globally. The two hottest days on record occurred in July, raising concerns about ongoing climate trends. Above-average temperatures were reported across various regions, while some areas faced drought and flooding. The overall warming trend persists, emphasizing the need for urgent action against climate change, as highlighted by Copernicus officials.