World record warmth

It is true that the weather in one spot on the planet, say Philadelphia, often has nothing to do with what is happening elsewhere in the world.

In this case, however, the recent record warmth in Philadelphia is indicative. The world just experienced its warmest June and warmest April through June period on record, according to the National Climate Data Center.

Arctic ice was at its lowest June extent since record-keeping began in 1979; conversely, Anartctic ice was its highest June extent in that period.

The June global temperature was 1.22 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th Century average of 59.9, nudging out June 2005 by 0.03 degrees.

The April-June temperature was 0.07 degrees higher than 1998's, now in second place.

Here is a summary of the NCDC analysis.