2020 saw hottest September on record as Arctic sea ice retreats to second lowest amount ever
Temperatures were unusually high last month in Siberia, the Middle East and regions of South America and Australia September 2020 was the warmest September on record, according to the European Commission's flagship climate change program. Last month was 0.05C (0.09F) warmer globally than September 2019, and 0.08C (0.14F) warmer than September 2016, previously the warmest and second-warmest for the month. Temperatures were unusually high in a number of regions including in northern Siberia, the Middle East and parts of South America and Australia. Arctic sea ice also shrank to its second-lowest extent since satellite records began, according to scientists with the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). Across Europe, September average temperatures were around 0.2C (0.36F) warmer than the previous warmest September in 2018. The research team also revealed that 2020 looks set to match, or even surpass, 2016, which is the warmest calendar year ever. Last month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) announced the arrival of a La Nina event, which alters atmospheric circulation over the Pacific Ocean, and will impact whether this year ends up being the warmest on record. La Nina can lead to more rain than average through Indonesia, cooler and wetter weather in southern Africa, and drier weather in southeastern China, NOAA reported. The monthly Copernicus report found cooler temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific, consistent with the La Nina. The Siberian Arctic has been experiencing hotter than average temperatures over the past six months. While the region is known for big swings in temperature year on year, the heat has been "unusual in its magnitude and persistence", C3S noted. Arctic sea ice extent last month has also declined to the second lowest amount ever recorded, following September 2012. Sea ice extent in the polar region has been dramatically declining since the first satellite observations in the late Seventies. The trend is visible all year round but it most marked in September, when ice cover is at its annual minimum. This article has been updated to reflect the correct temperature increases Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies REUTERS Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Log in New to The Independent? Or if you would prefer: Want an ad-free experience? Hi {{indy.fullName}}