July 2024 was exceptionally hot due to a combination of factors, primarily linked to the Earth's geographical distribution and seasonal cycles. The Northern Hemisphere's greater landmass plays a significant role in amplifying the heat.
Here's a breakdown:
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Northern Hemisphere Landmass: According to provided information, the Northern Hemisphere contains a significantly larger proportion of land compared to the Southern Hemisphere. Land heats up faster than water. Since July falls squarely within the Northern Hemisphere's summer, this greater landmass absorbs and retains more heat, contributing to higher overall temperatures.
- Example: Think of it like comparing a sandy beach to the ocean on a sunny day. The sand heats up much faster and becomes hotter than the water.
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Northern Hemisphere Summer: July is at the peak of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning the region receives the most direct sunlight. This increased solar radiation further intensifies the heating effect on the land.
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Global Temperature Anomalies: The reference specifically highlights the July mean global surface air temperature departures from average from 1850 through 2024, underscoring the unusual warmth observed in 2023 and 2024. This suggests that July 2024 continued a trend of above-average temperatures.
In essence, the combination of a larger landmass in the Northern Hemisphere, the peak of the Northern Hemisphere's summer, and ongoing global temperature trends contributed to the extreme heat experienced in July 2024.
