The combined average global land and ocean surface temperature for July was the fifth-warmest since worldwide records began in 1880, according to an analysis by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C.
This year tied with 2001 and 2003 as the fifth-warmest July in 127 years.
Also, the seven months from January to July 2008 ranked as the ninth warmest seven-month period for combined average global land and ocean surface temperature.
Other notable events in July:
Rains from Hurricane Dolly caused landslides in Guatemala that killed 21 people. The storm, after making landfall at South Padre Island in Texas on July 23 brought torrential rain and flooding to both the Mexican and U.S. sides of the Rio Grande Valley. Nearly 250,000 people in Mexico were left without safe drinking water.
Typhoon Kalmaegi/Helen, which lasted from July 13 to 20, passed over the Philippines, Taiwan, and eastern China, killing at least 18 and causing about $10 million in damage. Some mountainous locations in Taiwan reported more than 43 inches of rain during the storm.
A few days later, Typhoon Fung-wong passed over many of the same areas, dumping nearly 33 inches of rain on Hualien on Taiwan’s east coast. Six deaths were reported and damage exceeded $6 million.
Heavy monsoon rains pelted northern India and Bangladesh between July 5-14, resulting in floods and landslides that claimed 20 lives. Eleven people died in monsoon flooding and landslides in Nepal in early July.