Earth Just Broke Climate Heat Record in February, What About Asheville?

Answer Man: Earth Just Broke Climate Heat Record in February, What About Asheville?

This installment of Answer Man looks into the warming earth’s recent record-breaking heat and how local temperatures compare to those global averages.

Warming Global Temperatures

February 2024 ranked as the planet’s warmest February on record, continuing the world’s record-warm streak. The global land and ocean surface temperature was 2.52 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th-century average. These changes are driven largely by human activity according to NOAA scientists.

Global vs. Local Temperature Comparison

In Asheville, the hottest February was in 2018, with an average of 50.1 degrees F. This year tied for 10th place at 46.7 degrees.

Local Temperature Records

The records for the last nine months in Asheville are as follows: February: 50.1 degrees in 2018, January: 51.6 degrees in 1950, December: 52.6 degrees in 2015, November: 56.6 degrees in 1985, October: 65.1 degrees in 1919, September: 74.1 degrees in 2018, August: 78 degrees in 2007.

Climate Change Impact

Humans are driving the earth’s warming by increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to changes like extreme weather events. The U.S. has sustained numerous weather and climate disasters since 1980, totaling more than $2.6 trillion in costs.