Gulf of Mexico Shatters Records with Hottest November Ever

An annotated map of the world plotted with the most significant climate events of November 2024 by NOAA

The Gulf of Mexico experienced its warmest November on record as the global climate continued its record-breaking streak. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), November 2024 was the second-warmest November globally in their 175-year climate record, just behind the scorching warmth of November 2023.

This year has been marked by extreme temperatures worldwide, with the Gulf region seeing temperatures soaring above the historical average. The global average land and ocean surface temperature for November was 2.41°F (1.34°C) above the 20th-century average, placing it as the second-warmest on record.

November 2024 continued a concerning pattern, with 2024 almost certain to become Earth’s warmest year on record, according to NOAA scientists.

The Gulf region, with its proximity to the tropics and vulnerability to shifting weather patterns, is increasingly affected by these record-breaking temperatures. The rise in sea surface temperatures could have significant consequences for marine life, storm activity, and coastal communities.

Global climate events in November also included the second-lowest global sea ice extent, further contributing to rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns across the planet. The Gulf of Mexico’s unusual warmth is part of a larger trend, with oceans and land masses alike experiencing record-breaking temperatures.

As 2024 nears its end, scientists are warning that the effects of rising temperatures will continue to intensify.
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The full press release can be found here.