With constant triple digits being forecasted, it has been released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that the Northern Hemisphere has gone through the hottest summer on record, dated Sept 14. Officials have even stated that the second warmest August was endured, which is no surprise considering the unusually high temperatures. Judging this past season, the weather has reached above the century’s average by 2.11° C which is a significant amount in comparison to previous times. Coming in close to 2016’s high record, this year has caught us off guard with unsustainable heat, bringing in more concern over future events regarding the state of our planet. 

While many are denying it, others cannot ignore the obvious signs of climate change and global warming. The National Snow and Ice Data Center says that, “The average Arctic sea ice extent (coverage) in August was the third smallest on record, 29.4% below the 1981–2010 average.” 

Over time, this will only get worse and with more evidence such as droughts, abnormal weather, rising sea surface levels, etc. more news has been released on behalf of this ongoing problem. This has led to the unusual number of fires that have been occurring. 

The smell of smoke and the sight of orange skies with ashy flakes are not what we want to wake up to every morning. While it may bring pretty sunsets, fires are another main effect of global warming and the heat we are tolerating. 

According to CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller, “climate change is making heatwaves hotter and more frequent. Rising temperatures are making droughts and fires more widespread.” 

Not only have there been fires, but there have also been an increased number of hurricanes and thunderstorms creating havoc for many other states. 

Heading into important dates and analytics, Arizona has had one of their most sweltering Augusts, with an average of 99.1° F. Along the same lines, Death Valley has also had to undergo its most intense temperature of 130 degrees, making it the highest for the month of August in U.S history. 

Due to this series of events, the typical amount of precipitation has reduced, adding more states to the top tier of being some of the driest climates recorded in history. Moreover, components like the Urban Heat Island effect and fossil fuels are not making things any better, and this extreme weather has only added to the mounting stress our world has been dealing within 2020. 

How can you help? You can contribute by assisting an organization related to the topic, limiting your energy usage, becoming more sustainable, or spreading the word to others so that more of the majority can be educated on the cause.

Photo courtesy of NBCNEWS.COM