Media outlets have been tirelessly reporting new data claiming that September 2014 was the hottest on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
But satellite data shows that last month was far from the hottest September ever recorded. University of Alabama, Huntsville satellite datasets show that September was the seventh warmest on record and Remote Sensing Systems datasets show last month was only the ninth warmest ever recorded.
Source: RSS and UAH datasets compiled by Steven Goddard
This runs counter to media reports citing NOAA figures that this is the fourth heat record-setting month in a row. NOAA says the globe averaged 60.3 degrees Celsius last month — the hottest September ever going back through 135 years of record-keeping. NASA data also shows that last September was a record-setting month.
NOAA climate scientist Jessica Blunden told The Associated Press “it’s pretty likely” that 2014 will become the hottest year on record, beating out 2010.
“This is one of many indicators that climate change has not stopped and that it continues to be one of the most important issues facing humanity,” University of Illinois climate scientist Donald Wuebbles told the AP.
It’s also been noted that this year’s record-setting temperatures were well below what climate models predicted they would be. Libertarian Cato Institute scientist Chip Knappenberger tweeted that the record temperatures are actually 0.21 degrees Celsius below what climate models predicted.
.@NOAANCDC No worries! I did it for you! Year-to-date “record” temps are 0.21C *below* climate model progs. @CatoCSS pic.twitter.com/tiYeSTCIlT
— Chip Knappenberger (@PCKnappenberger) October 20, 2014
Many scientists, environmentalists and politicians have been focusing on global temperatures as the U.S. continues to experience cold weather across much of the country. Last winter saw thousands of record-low temperatures set across the country and cooler, overcast weather continued for many throughout the summer.
The Midwest, for example, is seeing record-cold temperatures so far this year. The region is currently on track to see its coldest year on record, not too long after farmers in the area experienced a devastating drought.
California, on the other hand, has been going through its own drought this year as well as many hot, dry days.
With an election coming up, Democrats who push climate policies have pointed to record-high temperature summer months as evidence of why the government needs to impose more regulations on energy producers.
But all-out support for climate policies, like carbon taxes and cap-and-trade schemes, have been muted among Democrats. Colorado Democrat Mark Udall has touted his support for such policies, warning about rising global temperatures. So far, though, Udall has been hesitant to give specifics on his climate policy stances.
“Carbon pollution is real,” Udall said in a debate against his Republican opponent Rep. Cory Gardner of Colorado. “We’re prepared to put a price on carbon… I support putting a price on carbon.”
Note: Satellite temperature graphs were provided by Steven Goddard of the Real Science blog.
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