The second hottest October on record: scientists reveal the implications for Earth.

Scientists are no longer warning about a climate crisis in the future; they are stating it outright — it is already here. As a result, the world is facing unprecedented heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. Now, researchers are cautioning that the world is on track to break a significant climate record — October 2024 has been recognized as the second hottest October on record, according to the Daily Mail.

Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates that the average global air temperature last month was 15.32°C, which is just 0.05°C lower than October 2023 — the hottest October ever recorded. Scientists also note that last year's figure was 1.32 °C above the 20th-century average of 14.0°C.

Researchers highlight that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions play a significant role in the planet's warming. NOAA further warns that 2024 will "almost certainly" become the warmest year on Earth in recorded history, surpassing the record set in 2023. In its forecasts, the agency relies on temperature sensors placed around the globe, including floating buoys and satellites.

It is worth noting that the results from the government agency align with data recently published by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). However, according to this data, the average figure last month was slightly lower — 15.25°C. Still, scientists reached the same conclusion: 2024 is expected to be the hottest year on record.

In its statement, NOAA reported that a record high temperature for October was recorded over 12% of the Earth's surface last month. All of this indicates that October 2024 ranks as the second hottest in the last 175 years of observations. Temperatures in October were above average for most land surfaces, with exceptions including Greenland, central and southern Africa, parts of Central Asia, and much of eastern Antarctica.

This year, from January to October 2024, the global surface temperature was 1.28 °C above the 20th-century average, making this period the hottest ever recorded. Researchers note that this climatic situation is linked to a lack of sea ice and global warming, which impacts virtually all ecosystems on the planet.

The reduction in sea ice also contributes to rising sea levels, raising concerns for coastal cities at risk of flooding. NOAA also connects higher temperatures with catastrophic weather events worldwide. As the air continues to heat due to climate change, hurricanes may hold more water vapor, resulting in more intense precipitation during storms and ultimately causing greater damage.

Overall, most scientists around the world agree that this year will break the previous record and become the hottest in recorded history.