What to Know About April Being the Hottest Month on Record

April continued an 11th consecutive month of record-breaking global heat, underscoring the unprecedented challenges humans face as a result of climate change. Despite the ongoing trend, experts predict that global temperatures could stabilize in the coming months, even as they remain much higher than historical averages due to human-caused warming.

This year, the 12-month running average surpassed the 1.5°C threshold for the first time. Climate scientists prioritize this metric over monthly records, as individual monthly variations can be influenced by temporary factors.

In April, heat waves swept across West Africa and Southeast Asia, reaching temperatures as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. Such extreme heat events have been linked to human-induced climate change.

The potential decline in record-setting temperatures is linked to the anticipated end of a particularly strong El Niño episode.

El Niño, a natural climate cycle in the tropical Pacific Ocean, has been boosting global average temperatures over the past year. However, it is now waning and is expected to transition into a La Niña phase by early fall, bringing cooler water temperatures to the tropical Pacific and potentially moderating global temperature increases.

Climate models suggest a shift to the cooling pattern of La Niña, expected this summer or fall, which could lead to a moderation in temperatures. During La Niña, cooler surface temperatures dominate the Pacific Ocean, potentially easing the intense global heat.

So far, 2024's temperature anomalies remain above last year's record highs, but they have been showing signs of easing somewhat.

Looking ahead, it is highly probable that this year will rank as either the hottest or second-hottest year on record, with a second-place finish becoming increasingly plausible.

NOAA will release its updated projections with new temperature data in the next two weeks, followed by reports from NASA and Berkeley Earth.