Why Did the World Experience Its Third Warmest July?
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Synopsis
In a world increasingly defined by climate change, July 2025 marked a pivotal moment as it became the third warmest month on record. Discover the trends and implications of global warming that continue to unfold, and what this means for our planet's future.
Key Takeaways
- July 2025 was the third warmest on record.
- The global average was 16.68 degrees Celsius.
- Temperature remains 1.25 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
- Significant anomalies in Northern Europe.
- Sea ice extent is significantly below average.
Brussels, Aug 7 (NationPress) The globe recorded its third-hottest July in 2025, experiencing a slight cooling from the extreme temperatures witnessed in the past two years, which underscores the persistent trend of global warming, according to the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) released on Thursday.
The global average surface air temperature during July 2025 reached 16.68 degrees Celsius, registering a drop of 0.27 degrees Celsius compared to July 2023, which stands as the hottest July on record, and 0.23 degrees Celsius lower than July 2024, the second-hottest month. Nonetheless, this figure remains 1.25 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial levels estimated from 1850-1900.
This heat wave was prevalent across several continents. In Europe, the average land temperature peaked at 21.12 degrees Celsius last month, marking it as the fourth-hottest July on record for the continent.
According to C3S, Northern Europe experienced the most significant temperature anomalies. The Fennoscandia area recorded some of the most extreme above-average temperatures in Europe, with heatwaves particularly impacting Sweden and Finland, while southeastern European nations faced heatwaves and wildfires, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
In contrast, parts of North America, South America, India, much of Australia, and certain regions in Africa and Antarctica experienced below-average temperatures, as per the C3S report.
The climate service also highlighted that sea ice coverage at both poles remains significantly below average. The extent of Arctic sea ice was 10 percent below normal, marking the joint second-lowest extent for July in the past 47 years of satellite records, while Antarctic sea ice extent was 8 percent below average, the third-lowest for the month.
"Two years after the hottest July on record, the current streak of global temperature records has concluded for now. However, this does not imply that climate change has ceased," remarked Carlo Buontempo, director of C3S.
Buontempo emphasized that the world is still experiencing the repercussions of a warming climate in July, which includes severe heat and devastating floods. He urged for increased preparedness, warning that without swift stabilization of greenhouse gas emissions, new temperature records and escalating climate impacts are anticipated.
Point of View
I believe the recent data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. While a minor cooling offers temporary relief, the long-term trends indicate that we must remain vigilant and proactive in our response to the climate crisis.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the temperatures to stabilize in July 2025?
The slight cooling in July 2025 is attributed to various climatic factors, including changes in atmospheric conditions and ocean temperatures, which provided a brief respite from the extreme heat witnessed in previous years.
How does the average temperature of July 2025 compare to historical data?
July 2025 recorded an average temperature of 16.68 degrees Celsius, making it the third warmest on record, still significantly above pre-industrial levels and highlighting the ongoing impact of global warming.
What regions experienced extreme temperatures?
Northern Europe, particularly the Fennoscandia region, faced the most intense heat anomalies, while southeastern Europe dealt with heatwaves and wildfires.
What is the current state of sea ice coverage?
Sea ice coverage at both poles remains below average, with Arctic ice extent at 10 percent below normal and Antarctic ice at 8 percent below average, indicating a concerning trend in climate change.
What steps can be taken to mitigate climate change?
Increased preparedness and rapid stabilization of greenhouse gas emissions are essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change and prevent new temperature records.
