In an alarming development, global temperatures peaked on Monday, July 3, setting a new record for the hottest day ever documented, according to data collected from the United States National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP).
The worldwide average temperature rose to an unprecedented 17.01 degrees Celsius (62.62 Fahrenheit), exceeding the previous 16.92C (62.46 F) recorded in August 2016.
In South Texas in the United States, temperatures skyrocketed to 48 degrees Celsius (119 Fahrenheit). Meanwhile, the relentless heatwave continued its grip on China, with temperatures crossing the 35C (95 F) mark. North Africa recorded temperatures close to 50C (122 F).
Even the frosty regions of Antarctica, in the depths of winter, reported abnormally high temperatures. The Vernadsky Research Base, located on the Argentine Islands of the polar continent, broke its July temperature record with 8.7C (47.6 F).