Experts predict 2024 will be hottest year on record as Louisiana faces climate change impacts

Weather experts predict that 2024 will be the hottest year on record, surpassing 2023. Global temperatures from January to September were 1.54 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions. In Louisiana, the impacts of climate change are evident. The state has experienced stronger hurricanes and longer heat waves, with New Orleans seeing the greatest increase in heat wave duration among U.S. cities. This year's Atlantic hurricane season was notably active, with 18 named storms and five major hurricanes. Hurricane Beryl became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, while Hurricane Helene was the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina in 2005.