NOAA: Warmest April Global Temperature on Record; Also Warmest January-April

The combined global land and ocean surface temperature was the warmest on record for both April and for the period from January-April, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Additionally, last month’s average ocean surface temperature was the warmest on record for any April, and the global land surface temperature was the third warmest on record.

Global temperature anomalies in April 2010 with respect to a 1971-2000 base period. Source: NOAA. Click to enlarge.

The monthly analysis from NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center, which is based on records going back to 1880, is part of the suite of climate services that NOAA provides government, business and community leaders so they can make informed decisions.

• The combined April global land and ocean average surface temperature was the warmest on record at 58.1 °F (14.5 °C), which is 1.37 °F (0.76 °C) above the 20^th century average of 56.7 °F (13.7 °C).

• The combined global land and ocean average surface temperature was the warmest on record for January-April at 56.0 °F (13.3 °C), which is 1.24 °F (0.69 °C) above the 20^th century average.

• Separately, the global ocean surface temperature was 1.03 °F (0.57 °C) above the 20^th century average of 60