Tropospheric Temperature

Abstract

The 2020 annual global lower tropospheric temperature (LTT) tied with 2016 as the highest on record. The annual average LTT was 0.49°–0.72°C above the 1981–2010 average, depending on dataset, and 10%–16% of Earth’s surface experienced record high temperatures (Plate 2.1e). Such expansive and record warmth is notable because it occurred even though the ENSO exhibited neutral or La Niña conditions throughout the year (Fig. 2.7a) and is thus consistent with the background upward trend since 1958.