Global warming – myth or real threat? The weather speaks for itself. This year saw the warmest September in more than 100 years. That’s the time frame covered by accumulated weather data in many countries, so the current year appears to be one of the warmest on record. What records were set in 2023? What does this indicate?
September 2023 in the world
This year has seen the warmest September on record in many parts of the world. Record temperatures were recorded in Siberia and the Middle East, southern Africa, Australia and Europe. In Japan, September was warmer than the previous years’ average by 2.66°C. September temperature records were set in 2/3 of the country’s regions.
They reached nearly 30°C. Reports from the U.S. say records have been set, among others. in Texas, where the hottest September on record was observed, with an average temperature of 30.5°C. Globally, this year’s September was 0.05°C warmer than the previous record holder of 2019. The last five years represent the hottest summers on record, which is partly related to the El Niño weather phenomenon. Currently, there is a 1.2°C increase in average temperature compared to pre-industrial values.
Warmest September in Western Europe
In France, this year’s September was 3.5-3.6°C warmer than the reference value for the 1991-2020 period. The country’s average temperature in September was as high as 21.5°C, with the highest daily temperature as high as 38.8°C, a record to date. It has been observed that markedly elevated monthly average temperatures have been recorded in France for almost 2 years.
Also in the UK, a record was set. The highest September average temperature to date, 22°C , significantly exceeded the previous record of 20.9°C. The record for the daily September temperature was also broken – over 33°C, making the day the warmest of the year in the country.
Warmest September in Central Europe
Similar observations were made in Germany – this year’s September was the warmest ever measured in that country. The temperature averaged 17.2 degrees Celsius, almost 4 degrees Celsius higher than in the 1961-1999 period.
Poland also recorded temperatures 3.6°C higher than the reference average, making this year’s September the warmest in more than 100 years, since regular measurements began.
Countries in the Alpine region – Austria and Switzerland – also reported record average temperatures for this year’s September, exceeding all data collected from previous years. Another disturbing news was that Alpine glaciers have lost as much as 10 percent in the last 2 years. volumes.
Forecasts for October
Due to El Niño activity and high greenhouse gas emissions, it is not only September that is expected to be full of temperature records. Already, forecasts are calling for an unusually warm October with temperatures up to 10°C higher than previous averages. Summer weather is expected to arrive, among other things. in the UK, as well as in western Europe – over 30-degree heat is forecast in Portugal, Spain and southern France.
Warmest September – what does this indicate?
All of the above reports, both regarding the unusually warm September and the overall increase in average monthly temperatures throughout the year, paint a rather grim picture. We can see with our own eyes the rate of global warming. In recent years we have seen rapid melting of glaciers, huge fires in California, the Arctic, Greece, floods in Asia. Heat waves and long rainy periods occur all over the world. In the following years, we may witness similar or even more intense phenomena – droughts, fires, storms may occur, resulting in massive property damage. Extremes are extremely dangerous to human health and life.
Consequences of record temperatures
Further consequences of a warming climate could be catastrophic, which is why it is so important to reduce the production of greenhouse gases and pollutants, as well as to promote renewable energy sources. As part of the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Many countries have agreed to try to limit global warming to 1.5°C, which scientists believe would avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change. However, despite the emission restrictions being implemented, temperatures are expected to rise well above 1.5°C. Further discussions on the subject will be held at the COP28 summit in Dubai in November/December.