Earth's average surface temperature in 2024 was the warmest on record, according to an analysis led by NASA scientists.
NASA assembles its temperature record by collecting surface air temperature data from thousands of meteorological stations and sea surface temperatures from ships and buoys.
Global temperatures in 2024 were around 1.28 degrees Celsius above the agency’s 20th century baseline (1951-1980). That is equal to a 2.30 degree Fahrenheit change and exceeds the record set in 2023.
This comes after monthly temperature records were set in 15 consecutive months from June 2023 through August 2024.
NASA scientists also estimate Earth in 2024 was about 1.47 degrees Celsius (2.65 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the mid-19th century average (1850-1900).
The warming trend of recent decades is driven by heat-trapping carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases.
The Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) maintains NASA’s surface temperature record.