Second-warmest November on record points to 2024 as likely hottest year ever

A new report from the European climate service Copernicus states that November 2024 was the second-warmest on record, following 2023. This trend suggests that 2024 will likely be the hottest year ever recorded. Global temperatures in November averaged 14.10°C (57.38°F), slightly lower than last year's average of 14.98°C (59°F). However, this year's average temperature is 0.14°C (0.25°F) higher than the same period last year. The report indicates that 2024 may be the first year with an average temperature more than 1.5°C (2.7°F) above pre-industrial levels. Factors contributing to the temperature rise include heat waves, reduced sea ice, and the absence of a cooling La Niña effect.