According to NASA, global temperatures in 2017 hit their second highest since 1880, when global estimates began.
This should come as no surprise, considering that earth's temperatures have risen about 2 degrees in the last century, and the last 7 years in particular were marked by a linear increase, with 2014, 2015, and 2016 being the hottest years ever recorded. 2017 now joins the list of stellar years of intense heat.
SourceOddly enough, NASA and the NOAA both disagree on where 2017 sits on the record list, with NASA claiming it hit the 2nd hottest, while NOAA is saying it placed 3rd... Well, let's face it, that's hot either way you shake it!
It will be insteresting to see how 2018 shapes up as we go forward. Many people are wondering if the extreme cold in parts of North America and Siberia, along with the intensifying La Niña will moderate the overall climate... But don't get too comfortable! Bats were recently being cooked out of the sky in Australia, and South Africa is witnessing extreme drought due to above average temperatures. Plus, La Niña usually leads to warmer summer temperatures in the Atlantic Basin.
