Unprecedented September Temperatures Mark 2026 as a Year of Extreme Climate Events
September 2026 has emerged as a pivotal month in climate history, recording extraordinary temperature highs and drawing attention globally due to unprecedented weather patterns. This month became the second hottest September globally since records began in 1850, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). This ranking was also corroborated by NASA and the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
The average global temperature from January to September 2026 was the second-highest in recorded history, surpassed only by 2024. Notably, the United States experienced its hottest September since record-keeping began in 1895. The contiguous U.S. saw its highest average temperature for September, marking it as the fourth month in 2026 to break heat records following March, July, and August.
Globally, ocean surface temperatures reached a new high for September, while land temperatures ranked third. The lower troposphere, measured via satellite, also reported the third-warmest September. Regions such as North America, Asia, and the Arctic recorded their warmest Septembers, while Oceania, Africa, Europe, and South America experienced significant warmth.
Statistical predictions by the NCEI indicate a greater than 99.9% probability that 2026 will rank among the top three warmest years on record. However, with a powerful El Niño event in progress, there is potential for 2026 to become the hottest year yet. Climate experts, including Zeke Hausfather and NASA, project 2026 will likely be the first or second warmest year, following 2024.
In September, the U.S. saw unusually persistent night-time heat, with average daily minimum temperatures setting a new record at 57.47°F, surpassing the previous record by over 1.2°F. Precipitation levels were low, placing it as the 33rd driest September in the contiguous U.S., suggesting ongoing drought conditions in various states.
Arizona and New Mexico, however, recorded their second-wettest September due to moisture from an active Pacific hurricane season. This led to increased rainfall and flash floods, particularly in southern New Mexico. Expectations are that the ongoing El Niño could bring wetter conditions to the southern U.S. and drier conditions to the north in the coming months.
Arctic sea ice extent in September 2026 was the 13th-lowest in satellite records, while the Antarctic saw its third-lowest sea ice extent. The Arctic had its third-warmest September, and Antarctic temperatures remained above average.
Globally, September 2026 saw extreme temperature records, with Saudi Arabia, Greenland, Bolivia, and Antarctica experiencing their respective hottest and coldest temperatures. In total, 20 all-time national or territorial heat records were set or tied by September’s end, with additional monthly records being noted in various countries.
Original Story at yaleclimateconnections.org