The October of 2023 was the hottest ever, further solidifying the expectation that 2023 will break temperature records
Following record-breaking temperatures in July, August, September, and now October, it is highly likely that 2023 will go down in history as the hottest year ever. Scientists at the Copernicus Climate Change Service share these concerns.
Notably, the average temperature from January to October has surged 1.43 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900), marking it as the hottest period in history. Furthermore, when compared to the first 10 months of the previous hottest year, 2016, this year’s temperatures are 0.1°C higher. This information stems from the latest data released by the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
According to the data, October 2023 claimed the record for the hottest October to date, with an average surface air temperature of 15.3°C. In comparison to the October average from 1991 to 2020, this year’s October was 0.85°C warmer.
Comparing it to the previous warmest October in 2019, this year’s October recorded a temperature approximately 0.40°C higher. However, when we contrast it with the average temperature for October between 1850 and 1900, the pre-industrial era, October 2023 stands out with a remarkable 1.7°C above the norm, setting a new record in itself.
If we focus on Europe, October 2023 ranked as the fourth hottest October on record, with temperatures exceeding the 1991-2020 average by 1.3°C.
In addition, the sea surface temperature for October 2023 reached 20.79°C, marking the highest ever recorded for any October.
El Nino conditions persist in the equatorial Pacific, although they are not as extreme as observed during the powerful El Nino events of 1997 and 2015 at this time of year.
It’s crucial to note that the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that the El Nino effect will persist until April 2024. Consequently, the likelihood of temperatures continuing to rise this year is extremely high. According to the WMO, the increasing temperatures also heighten the risk of extreme weather events like heat waves and floods.
El Nino events typically bring with them a range of challenges, including floods, droughts, temperature spikes that harm crops and deplete fish populations, and an elevated risk of diseases. These collectively lead to substantial economic losses, not only immediately but for many years to come.
According to scientists, the expected El Nino event in 2023 is poised to cause not only immediate damage this year but will also leave a lasting impact until 2029. Research has indicated that the global economy could suffer losses of up to $3 trillion (Rs 250 lakh crore) by 2029 due to this El Nino.
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