LA Times: Earth breaks heat and CO2 records once again: ‘Our planet is trying to tell us something’
"...Humanity is ignoring major planetary vital signs as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels soar to all-time highs and Earth records its 12th consecutive month of record-breaking heat, international climate officials warned this week...."
It’s not summer yet, but more than 17 million people in the western United States are already under excessive heat warnings as temperatures climb 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above average, with large swaths of California expecting to see thermometers hit 108F (42.2C). Meteorologists are saying the scorching weather is caused by a heat dome, when high pressure traps heat over an area, making it hotter the longer it lasts. The BBC has more.
"Though #heat has killed hundreds of people in Maricopa County every summer for the past four years, the idea that heat can be deadly is newly shocking to many decision-makers.
Solar panels + backup battery in Houston (solely to run your A/C) would be useful right about now. Heat Index of 95F. (this, as big chunks of the city are still out of power). Hopefully folks are finding shelter at friends/relatives/etc. #TXwx#heat
It's been a long time since I've had the energy and inspiration to do #pixelart for the #pixel_dailies but the #heat theme made me think of a melted candle. This turned out pretty well, I think. Due to the relatively subtle shading, no predefined palette this time #mastoart
NOAA: April 2024 was Earth’s warmest on record "The average global temperature in April was 2.38 degrees F (1.32 degrees C) above the 20th-century average of 56.7 degrees F (13.7 degrees C), making it the warmest April in the global climate record. April 2024 also marked the 11th-consecutive month of record-high global temperatures." https://www.noaa.gov/news/april-2024-was-earths-warmest-on-record#climate#heatwaves#heat
"The average temperature of the contiguous U.S. in April was 53.8°F, 2.7°F above average, ranking 12th warmest in the 130-year record. April temperatures were above average across much of the contiguous U.S., while near- to below-average temperatures were observed in parts of the West, northern Plains, Upper Midwest, Southeast and in small pockets of the Northeast. Virginia and West Virginia each had their fifth-warmest April on record.
The Alaska statewide April temperature was 27.2°F, 3.9°F above the long-term average, ranking in the warmest third of the 100-year period of record for the state."
"Earth has just experienced its 11th straight warmest month on record -- a preview of the brutal temperatures forecast for the summer, according to scientists."
ABC News reports: "May 2023 through April 2024 was the warmest 12-month stretch on record with a global average temperature of 2.90 degrees Fahrenheit above the 1850 to 1900 pre-industrial average."