--- title: "August 2026 Tied as Hottest Month on Record Globally" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/climate/august-2026-tied-as-hottest-month-on-record-globally" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/august-2026-tied-as-hottest-month-on-record-globally" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/climate/august-2026-tied-as-hottest-month-on-record-globally.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/august-2026-tied-as-hottest-month-on-record-globally" category: "Climate" area: "European Union" published: "2026-09-10T02:45:53.806Z" source_reported: "2026-09-10T02:35:29.000Z" updated: "2026-09-10T04:15:07.391Z" trust_score: 86 critic_score: 95 hype_score: 15 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-09-10T04:13:07.404Z" --- # August 2026 Tied as Hottest Month on Record Globally *Global average temperature reached 1.65°C above pre-industrial levels, Copernicus reports.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 86 of 100, higher is better. Trust high: multiple outlets and the full report cite Copernicus data and named scientists, providing specific figures. - Craft 95 of 100, higher is better. Critic strong: explains significance, includes quotes, separates facts, gives precise data and next steps. - Hype 15 of 100, lower is better. Hype low: headline matches content, no sensational language. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - August 2026 was the hottest month on record globally, tying with July 2023, the Copernicus Climate Change Service reported. - Global average temperatures in August 2026 were 1.65°C above pre-industrial levels, marking a return above the 1.5°C threshold. - Record sea surface temperatures were also recorded in August 2026, reaching 21.07°C away from polar regions. - The extreme heat was attributed to human-caused climate change combined with a strong El Niño event. August 2026 was the hottest month on record globally, tying with July 2023, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The global average temperature for the month was 1.65°C above pre-industrial levels, marking the first time since November 2025 that temperatures have exceeded the 1.5°C threshold. This level of warming is a key target for international climate agreements. The record heat was attributed to human-caused climate change and a strong El Niño weather phenomenon. Sea surface temperatures away from polar regions also reached a record high for August, measuring 21.07°C. This tied with March 2024 as the highest sea surface temperature recorded across all months. ## Divergent details on heatwaves and regional impacts The Evening Standard reported that August continued a run of extreme heat that began in May, with severe drought conditions affecting the UK, France, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia. Major rivers such as the Rhine and Danube experienced exceptionally low flows. Other reports mention heatwaves in August continuing a trend of extreme heat since May, but do not specify the regions affected or river levels. ## What the coverage left out No right-rated outlet ran this story. The digests from centre-rated outlets did not mention specific regional impacts like drought in the UK, France, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia, or low river flows on the Rhine and Danube, details that were present in the full report from the Evening Standard. ## Who covered it Shares of the 55 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 40% (22) - Centre: 38% (21) - Right: 22% (12) 27 of 82 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-10T04:13:07.404Z. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 6 times; 2 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-10T04:15:07.391Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - The left-rated reports highlighted the record-breaking nature of August 2026, with many using headlines such as "August was world’s joint hottest month on record, scientists" (Evening Standard, perspectivemedia.com, The Independent, Irish News) or "August declared the hottest month ever recorded" (Politico Europe). Several reports noted the 1.65°C figure above pre-industrial levels and the return above the 1.5°C threshold, as seen in the Irish Examiner. The connection to human-caused climate change and burning fossil fuels was frequently mentioned, with Politico Europe stating record temperatures were caused by burning fossil fuels, and UOL noting the driver was burning fossil fuels and El Niño. The Evening Standard included quotes from experts like Samantha Burgess, who called it a "remarkable month", and Prof Friederike Otto, who stated the underlying driver remains "our relentless burning of fossil fuels". The Evening Standard also detailed regional impacts, including drought in the UK, France, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia, and low river flows on the Rhine and Danube. ### Centre - Centre-rated reports also focused on August 2026 being the hottest month on record, with headlines like "August was the warmest month EVER recorded globally" (dailymail.com) and "Global heat stuck on high. Scientists say August was Earth's hottest month they've measured" (Ottumwa Courier, WBAL, Winnipeg Free Press, The Seattle Times, Associated Press News, WKMG, UOL, WTVB). These reports frequently attributed the heat to a "dangerous double whammy of human-caused climate change and a supersized El Nino" (Ottumwa Courier, WBAL, Winnipeg Free Press, Associated Press News, WKMG). The Copernicus Climate Change Service was consistently named as the source of the data. The Evening Standard, a centre-rated outlet, provided a full report detailing regional impacts such as drought and low river flows, and included quotes from climate experts and a government minister. ### Right - The right‑rated digests all reported that August 2026 tied or surpassed previous records for global heat. They noted an average surface temperature of about 16.96 °C to roughly 17 °C, citing the EU climate service Copernicus. Each linked the extreme warmth to human‑induced climate change and a strong El Niño. - Some digests added regional impacts. Handelsblatt mentioned drought, forest fires and a severe summer across Western Europe. Dagens Nyheter highlighted record ocean‑surface temperatures. tippinsights referred to the 1.5 °C Paris‑agreement threshold being exceeded. The Straits Times noted scientists connecting the heat to landslides and flash floods in Nepal and Tibet. - None of the right‑rated digests mention a monetary cost estimate for the heat event, nor do they provide specific policy proposals or detailed scientific quotations. The digests also omit any reference to mitigation measures, adaptation strategies, or the role of international climate negotiations. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - low: 1 - mixed: 7 - high: 41 - unknown: 31 - veryHigh: 2 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [Energi og Klima](https://energiogklima.no/data/varmeste-august-globalt-med-stor-margin) — Warmest August Globally - by a Large Margin - [Dagens Nyheter.](https://dn.se/varlden/ny-rapport-augusti-varmaste-manaden-som-nagonsin-uppmatts-pa-jorden) — New Report: August Warmest Month Ever Recorded on Earth - [regionalmedianews.com](https://regionalmedianews.com/news/national/global-heat-stuck-on-high-scientists-say-august-was-earths-hottest-month-theyve-measured) — Global heat stuck on high. Scientists say August was Earth’s hottest month they’ve measured. - Regional Media News - [YubaNet](https://yubanet.com/world/copernicus-august-was-the-worlds-joint-hottest-month-on-record-pushing-global-temperatures-back-above-1-5c-above-pre-industrial-levels) — Copernicus: August was the world’s joint hottest month on record, pushing global temperatures back above 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels - [tippinsights](https://tippinsights.com/august-tied-as-worlds-hottest-month-on-record-scientists-say) — August Tied as World’s Hottest Month On Record, Scientists Say - [NRC Handelsblad](https://nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/09/10/wereldwijd-warmste-augustus-ooit-gemeten-a4936307) — World's Warmest August Ever Recorded - [Ekstra Bladet](https://ekstrabladet.dk/nyheder/samfund/august-tangerer-global-varmerekord/11284823) — August Tangents Global Heat Record - [RTS](https://rts.ch/info/environnement/2026/article/aout-2026-est-le-mois-le-plus-chaud-jamais-mesure-sur-terre-29352911.html) — August 2026 Is the Warmest Month Ever Measured on Earth - [yle](https://yle.fi/a/74-20245399) — Finnish Meteorological Institute: August Was the Warmest Month on Record Worldwide - [South China Morning Post](https://scmp.com/news/world/article/3366992/august-was-hottest-month-ever-recorded-globally-scientists-say) — August was hottest month ever recorded globally, scientists say - [RPP](https://rpp.pe/mundo/actualidad/agosto-fue-el-mes-mas-calido-a-nivel-global-desde-que-hay-registros-anuncia-copernicus-noticia-1706579) — August Was the Warmest Month on a Global Level Since There Are Records, Announces Copernicus - [nplus1.ru](https://nplus1.ru/news/2026/09/10/august-2026-hottest-month) — August 2026 Was the Hottest Month in the History of Observation. - [Iefimerida](https://iefimerida.gr/kosmos/kopernikos-aygoystos-2026-thermoteros-minas-hronika) — Copernicus: August 2026 Was the Warmest Month on Record - iefimerida.gr - [The West Australian](https://thewest.com.au/news/environment/august-was-the-worlds-joint-hottest-month-on-record-c-22850413) — August was the world's joint-hottest month on record - [PerthNow](https://perthnow.com.au/news/environment/august-was-the-worlds-joint-hottest-month-on-record-c-22850416) — August was the world's joint-hottest month on record - [Le Temps](https://letemps.ch/sciences/aout-2026-le-mois-le-plus-chaud-jamais-mesure-dans-le-monde) — August 2026, the Warmest Month Ever Measured in the World - [France24](https://france24.com/en/live-news/20260910-august-hottest-month-ever-recorded-globally-eu-monitor) — August hottest month ever recorded globally: EU monitor - [berria.eus](https://berria.eus/mundua/lurrean-inoiz-izandako-hilabete-beroena-izan-da-abuztua_2163297_102.html) — August Was the Hottest Month on Record on Earth - [Le Monde](https://lemonde.fr/planete/article/2026/09/10/aout-2026-est-le-mois-le-plus-chaud-jamais-mesure-dans-le-monde-copernicus-alerte-sur-des-risques-accrus-pour-l-europe_6769228_3244.html) — August 2026 Is the Warmest Month Ever Measured in the World, Copernicus Warns About Increased Risks for Europe - [Berliner Morgenpost](https://morgenpost.de/ratgeber-wissen/article413111377/august-war-weltweit-der-waermste-jemals-gemessene-monat.html) — August Was the World's Warmest Ever Measured Month - [Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung](https://waz.de/ratgeber-wissen/article413111377/august-war-weltweit-der-waermste-jemals-gemessene-monat.html) — Climate Change: August Was the Warmest Month Ever Measured Worldwide - [wr.de](https://wr.de/ratgeber-wissen/article413111377/august-war-weltweit-der-waermste-jemals-gemessene-monat.html) — Climate Change: August Was the Warmest Month Ever Measured Worldwide - [Westfalenpost](https://wp.de/ratgeber-wissen/article413111377/august-war-weltweit-der-waermste-jemals-gemessene-monat.html) — Climate Change: August Was the Warmest Month Ever Measured Worldwide - [Thüringer Allgemeine](https://thueringer-allgemeine.de/ratgeber-wissen/article413111377/august-war-weltweit-der-waermste-jemals-gemessene-monat.html) — Climate Change: August Was the Warmest Month Ever Measured Worldwide - [Ostthüringer Zeitung](https://otz.de/ratgeber-wissen/article413111377/august-war-weltweit-der-waermste-jemals-gemessene-monat.html) — Climate Change: August Was the Warmest Month Ever Measured Worldwide - [tlz.de](https://tlz.de/ratgeber-wissen/article413111377/august-war-weltweit-der-waermste-jemals-gemessene-monat.html) — Climate Change: August Was the Warmest Month Ever Measured Worldwide - [ikz-online.de](https://ikz-online.de/ratgeber-wissen/article413111377/august-war-weltweit-der-waermste-jemals-gemessene-monat.html) — Climate Change: August Was the Warmest Month Ever Measured Worldwide - [braunschweiger-zeitung.de](https://braunschweiger-zeitung.de/ratgeber-wissen/article413111377/august-war-weltweit-der-waermste-jemals-gemessene-monat.html) — Climate Change: August Was the Warmest Month Ever Measured Worldwide - [Independent Español](https://independentespanol.com/noticias/medio-ambiente/agosto-fue-el-mes-con-la-temperatura-mas-alta-jamas-registrada-en-la-tierra-b3047691.html) — August Was the Month with the Highest Temperature Ever Recorded on Earth - [Euronews](https://euronews.com/2026/09/10/august-hottest-month-ever-recorded-globally-eu-monitor-announced) — August hottest month ever recorded globally, scientists say - [turkiyegazetesi.com.tr](https://turkiyegazetesi.com.tr/dunya/dunya-boyle-agustos-gormedi-en-sicak-ay-yasandi-1814986) — The World Has Never Seen an August Like This! It Was the Hottest Month on Record. - [Radio-Canada](https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2282224/aout-2026-mois-le-plus-chaud-jamais-mesure-dans-le-monde) — August 2026, the Warmest Month Ever Measured in the World - [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/world/europe/august-was-worlds-joint-hottest-month-on-record-scientists-say) — August was world’s joint-hottest month on record, scientists say - [Radio France Internationale](https://rfi.fr/en/international-news/20260910-august-hottest-month-ever-recorded-globally-eu-monitor) — August hottest month ever recorded globally: EU monitor - [The Korea Times](https://koreatimes.co.kr/world/20260910/global-heat-stuck-on-high-scientists-say-august-was-earths-hottest-month-theyve-measured) — Global heat stuck on high. Scientists say August was Earth's hottest month they've measured. - [haberglobal.com](https://haberglobal.com/dunya/agustosta-dunya-kayitlardaki-en-sicak-ayi-yasadi-543412) — August Was the Hottest Month on Record Worldwide. - [Le Figaro](https://lefigaro.fr/sciences/le-mois-d-aout-2026-a-ete-le-mois-le-plus-chaud-jamais-mesure-dans-le-monde-20260910) — August 2026 Was the Warmest Month Ever Measured in the World - [LaProvence.com](https://laprovence.com/article/france-monde/2594287328784814/aout-2026-a-ete-le-mois-le-plus-chaud-jamais-mesure-dans-le-monde) — August 2026 Was the Warmest Month Ever Measured in the World - [SSS.fi](https://sss.fi/2026/09/elokuu-oli-mittaushistorian-lampimin-elokuu-maailmanlaajuisesti-merkki-ilmastonmuutoksesta-ja-sen-kasvavista-haittavaikutuksista) — August Was the Warmest August on Record Globally – “a Sign of Climate Change and Its Growing Adverse Effects” - [perspectivemedia.com](https://perspectivemedia.com/august-was-worlds-joint-hottest-month-on-record-scientists) — August was world’s joint hottest month on record – scientists - [Times of India](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/earth-experiences-hottest-month-in-recorded-history-as-el-nino-and-climate-change-fuel-record-heat/articleshow/133990784.cms) — A hotter planet: August heat smashes climate records - [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/national/2026/09/global-heat-stuck-on-high-scientists-say-august-was-earths-hottest-month-theyve-measured) — Global heat stuck on high. Scientists say August was Earth’s hottest month they’ve measured. – WTOP News - [khbrknews](https://khbrknews.com/august-was-worlds-joint-hottest-month-on-record-say-scientists) — August was world’s joint hottest month on record, say scientists - [Tiroler Tageszeitung Online](https://tt.com/artikel/30941929/august-2026-waermster-monat-seit-messbeginn) — August 2026 Warmest Month Since the Beginning of the Measurement - [vienna.at](https://vienna.at/august-2026-waermster-monat-seit-messbeginn/10454927) — August 2026: Warmest Month Since the Beginning of the Measurement - [Great Yorkshire Radio](https://greatyorkshireradio.co.uk/technology/august-was-worlds-joint-hottest-month-on-record-say-climate-change-scientists) — August Was World's Joint Hottest Month On Record, Say Climate Change Scientists - [NRK](https://nrk.no/nyheter/tidenes-varmeste-maned_-august-satte-ny-global-varmerekord-1.18019991) — Hottest Month on Record: August Sets New Global Heat Record - [RN](https://ruhrnachrichten.de/dpa-infoline-zvr/waermster-august-weltweit-meere-auf-rekordtemperatur-w1245898-2002221070) — Warmest August Worldwide – Seas at Record Temperature - [bbv-net.de](https://bbv-net.de/dpa-infoline-zvr/waermster-august-weltweit-meere-auf-rekordtemperatur-w1245898-6000624032) — Warmest August Worldwide – Seas at Record Temperature - [BBC News](https://bbc.com/news/articles/c93vde0n2l4o) — August ties for hottest month on record as global heat climbs - [MASSIVE.NEWS](https://massive.news/august-was-joint-hottest-month-on-record-says-european-climate-agency) — August was joint hottest month on record, says European climate agency - [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/9a03bcff756906a3) — August hottest month ever recorded globally: EU monitor - [Ottumwa Courier](https://ottumwacourier.com/news/national_news/global-heat-stuck-on-high-scientists-say-august-was-earths-hottest-month-theyve-measured/article_c68bdf6f-bbe9-511a-909f-60cd7e9c90cc.html) — Global heat stuck on high. Scientists say August was Earth's hottest month they've measured. - [WBAL](https://wbal.com/global-heat-stuck-on-high-scientists-say-august-was-earths-hottest-month-theyve-measured) — Global heat stuck on high. Scientists say August was Earth's hott - [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/global-heat-stuck-on-high-scientists-say-august-was-earths-hottest-month-theyve-measured) — Global heat stuck on high. Scientists say August was Earth’s hottest month they’ve measured. - [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/sci-tech/2026/09/09/global-heat-stuck-on-high-scientists-say-august-was-earths-hottest-month-theyve-measured) — Global heat stuck on high. Scientists say August was Earth's hottest month they've measured. - [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/united-states/global-heat-stuck-on-high-scientists-say-august-was-earth-s-hottest-month-they-ve-measured/article_4bceab6b-0367-5405-990b-5dd49d18122c.html) — Global heat stuck on high. Scientists say August was Earth’s hottest month they’ve measured. - [dailymail.com](https://dailymail.com/sciencetech/article-16117147/August-warmest-month-recorded-globally.html) — August was the warmest month EVER recorded globally - [Handelsblatt](https://handelsblatt.com/technik/forschung-innovation/klima-waermster-august-weltweit-meere-auf-rekordtemperatur/100253398.html) — Climate: Warmest August Worldwide – Seas at Record Temperature - [inFranken.de](https://infranken.de/ueberregional/newsticker-national/wissenschaft/waermster-august-weltweit-meere-auf-rekordtemperatur-art-6394711) — Warmest August Worldwide – Seas at Record Temperature - [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/heat-record-climate-change-sizzle-el-nino-2a78248322a04b97f417346308d05483) — Global heat stuck on high. Scientists say August was Earth's hottest month they've measured. - [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/world/2026/09/10/global-heat-stuck-on-high-scientists-say-august-was-earths-hottest-month-theyve-measured) — Global heat stuck on high. Scientists say August was Earth's hottest month they've measured. - [Bangor Daily News](https://bangordailynews.com/2026/09/09/nation/global-heat-stuck-on-high-scientists-say-august-was-earths-hottest-month-theyve-measured) — Global heat stuck on high. Scientists say August was Earth's hottest month they've measured. - [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/climate-change/hottest-month-extreme-heat-climate-change-b3047472.html) — August was the world’s joint hottest month on record, scientists say - [Evening Standard](https://standard.co.uk/news/environment/european-serbia-hungary-france-romania-b1296407.html) — August was world’s joint hottest month on record – scientists - [UOL](https://uol.com.br/ecoa/ultimas-noticias/2026/09/09/agosto-de-2026-empata-com-julho-de-2023-como-mes-mais-quente-da-historia.ghtm) — August 2026 Tie with July 2023 as the Hottest Month in History - [Irish Examiner](https://irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41908684.html) — August shares record for world's hottest month ever as sea temperatures reach all-time high - [Novinky.cz](https://novinky.cz/clanek/pocasi-srpen-byl-globalne-nejteplejsim-mesicem-v-historii-mereni-40596870) — August Was the Warmest Month Globally on Record - [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/climate-change/news/copernicus-danube-rhine-serbia-hungary-b3047679.html) — August was world’s joint hottest month on record – scientists - [Politico Europe](https://politico.eu/article/august-declared-the-hottest-month-ever-recorded) — August declared the hottest month ever recorded - [Irish News](https://irishnews.com/news/uk/august-was-worlds-joint-hottest-month-on-record-scientists-64SVUP6E25OLBGLUEHWP67GPMA) — August was world’s joint hottest month on record – scientists - [saarbruecker-zeitung.de](https://saarbruecker-zeitung.de/saarland/hochschule/waermster-august-weltweit-meere-auf-rekordtemperatur_aid-154557961) — Climate: Warmest August Worldwide - Seas at Record Temperature - [volksfreund.de](https://volksfreund.de/nachrichten/wissenschaft/waermster-august-weltweit-meere-auf-rekordtemperatur_aid-154557959) — Climate: Warmest August Worldwide - Seas at Record Temperature - [wz.de](https://wz.de/panorama/wissenschaft/waermster-august-weltweit-meere-auf-rekordtemperatur_aid-154557975) — Warmest August Worldwide - Seas at Record Temperature - [Reuters](https://reuters.com/sustainability/cop/august-was-worlds-joint-hottest-month-record-scientists-say-2026-09-10) — August was world's joint-hottest month on record, scientists say - [Folha de S.Paulo](https://redir.folha.com.br/redir/online/emcimadahora/rss091/*https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/ambiente/2026/09/agosto-iguala-recorde-de-mes-mais-quente-da-historia-diz-copernicus.shtml) — August Equals the Hottest Month of History, Says Copernicus - 09/09/2026 - Environment - [La Stampa](https://lastampa.it/cronaca/2026/09/10/news/agosto_il_piu_caldo_di_sempre_battuti_tutti_i_record_storici_nei_100_giorni_di_inferno_climatico-15734988) — August, the Hottest Ever. Beats All Historical Records in the 100 Days of Climate Hell - [La Presse](https://lapresse.ca/actualites/environnement/2026-09-09/aout-2026-a-ete-le-mois-le-plus-chaud-jamais-mesure-dans-le-monde.php) — August 2026 Was the Warmest Month Ever Measured in the World - [Al-Monitor](https://al-monitor.com/originals/2026/09/august-hottest-month-ever-recorded-globally-eu-monitor) — August hottest month ever recorded globally: EU monitor - [WTVB](https://wtvbam.com/2026/09/09/august-was-worlds-joint-hottest-month-on-record-scientists-say) — August was world’s joint-hottest month on record, scientists say - [Newsmax](https://newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/heat-record-climate-change-sizzle-el-nino/2026/09/09/id/1268933) — Global Heat Stuck on High. Scientists Say August Was Earth's Hottest ... - [TVA Nouvelles](https://tvanouvelles.ca/2026/09/09/aout-2026-a-ete-le-mois-le-plus-chaud-jamais-mesure-dans-le-monde) — August 2026 Was the Warmest Month Ever Measured in the World ## Questions **What was the global average temperature in August 2026?** The global average temperature in August 2026 was 1.65°C above pre-industrial levels. This marked the first time since November 2025 that global temperatures exceeded the 1.5°C threshold, a key target for international climate agreements. **What caused the record heat in August 2026?** The record heat in August 2026 was attributed to a combination of human-caused climate change and a strong El Niño weather phenomenon. This dual factor contributed to the extreme temperatures recorded globally. **Were sea surface temperatures also affected?** Yes, sea surface temperatures away from polar regions reached a record high for August 2026, measuring 21.07°C. This figure tied with March 2024 as the highest sea surface temperature recorded across all months. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/climate/august-2026-tied-as-hottest-month-on-record-globally. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "August 2026 Tied as Hottest Month on Record Globally", https://mediabias.news/climate/august-2026-tied-as-hottest-month-on-record-globally