Latest News

2012 global temperatures are 10th highest on record
Tue, 17 Dec 2013
According to NOAA scientists, the globally-averaged annual combined land and ocean surface temperature in 2012 was 1.03°F (0.57°C) above the 20th-century average of 57.0°F (13.9°C). The annual report also found that all 12 years of the 21st century (2001-2012) rank among the 14 warmest in the 133-year period of record. - read more »
Contiguous United States warmer and wetter than average for January
Thu, 14 Feb 2013
According to NOAA scientists, the average temperature for the contiguous U.S. during January was 32.0°F, 1.6°F above the 20th century average, tying with 1958 as the 39th warmest January on record. Drought conditions remained entrenched across the Southeast, Great Plains, and the mountainous West. - read more »
Research finds new way to identify which El Niño events will have biggest impact on U.S. winter weather
Tue, 12 Feb 2013
Weather forecasters have long known that El Niño events can throw seasonal climate patterns off kilter, particularly during winter months. Now, new research from NOAA and the University of Washington suggests that a different way to detect El Niño could help forecasters predict the unusual weather it causes. - read more »
Climate change impacts to U.S. coasts threaten public health, safety and economy
Mon, 28 Jan 2013
According to a new technical report, the effects of climate change will continue to threaten the health and vitality of U.S. coastal communities’ social, economic and natural systems. - read more »
$3.5 million awarded to help two states address effects of climate change
Wed, 16 Jan 2013
Arizona and New Mexico will receive $3.5 million in grants from NOAA over five years to help them prepare for and adapt to climate variability and change. Seven smaller grants for one- and two-year projects were also awarded this week. - read more »