August Third-Hottest on Record Globally, Says Climate Monitor

Devastating wildfires and blistering heatwaves during the world's third-hottest August on record underscored the urgency of tackling climate change and preparing for its deadly consequences, the European global warming monitor said on Sept. 9.

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PARIS — Devastating wildfires and blistering heatwaves during the world's third-hottest August on record underscored the urgency of tackling climate change and preparing for its deadly consequences, the European global warming monitor said on Sept. 9.

South-west Europe wilted through a third summer heatwave, with fires tearing through Spain and Portugal, while many parts of Asia experienced above-average temperatures during a scorching month that neared record highs.

The world's oceans, which help regulate the earth's climate by absorbing excess heat from the atmosphere, were also close to record high temperatures for the month. Hotter seas are linked to worsening weather extremes.