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Global Temperature 2006: Third Warmest since 1891

Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) monitors the global warming using surface temperature combined not only over land but also over the ocean (also see the article in the "TCC News" No.3).

The annual anomaly of global average surface temperature during 2006 was +0.31°C above normal (1971-2000 average), the third highest next only to 1998 and 2005 same as 2003 and 2002 since 1891. The annual mean temperature over the globe has increased at a rate of 0.67°C per 100 years (Figure 1).

Focusing on after the middle of 1980s, the annual-mean temperatures were above normal for most of the years and, especially, those in last 10 years (1997 to 2006) ranked within the 11th warmest since 1891. The annual-mean temperature has varied in different time scales ranging from a few years to several decades. The increasing trend is likely due to human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases.

The monthly anomaly of global average surface temperature during December 2006 was +0.41°C above normal (1971-2000 average), the highest on record since 1891. The monthly mean temperature in December over the globe has increased at a rate of 0.71°C per 100 years (Figure 2).

(Hiroko Morooka, Climate Prediction Division)

Figure 1 Annual anomalies of global average surface temperature from 1891 to 2006

The bars indicate anomalies from the climatological normal (1971-2000 average). The blue line shows five-year running mean anomalies and the red line indicates the long-term linear trend.

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Figure 2 Monthly anomalies of global average surface temperature in December from 1891 to 2006

The bars indicate anomalies from the climatological normal (1971-2000 average). The blue line shows five-year running mean anomalies and the red line indicates the long-term linear trend.

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