NASA noted that a particularly strong El Niño — a natural climate fluctuation — that began in fall 2023 likely pushed the average temperature up in 2024. Plus, scientists are still studying the effects of events like the January 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption,

Meteorological associations have reported 2024 as the hottest year on record since humans started keeping track. Scientists say this likely puts Earth at greater risk of more extreme heat waves, hurricanes and significant loss of biodiversity.

Earth recorded its hottest year on record in 2024, with such a big jump that the planet temporarily passed a major climate threshold, weather monitoring agencies announced Friday.