2012 hottest year in American history

Record temperatures are 'a big deal' say NCDC

The United States of America had its hottest year since records began in 2012, with the average temperature being a full degree higher than it was in 1998.

A report released by the National Climatic Data Center shows that the average annual temperature in the country, which this year was hit with heat waves, drought and storms such as Superstorm Sandy, was 55.3F (13C), was 3.2 degrees higher than the 20th century average. The findings of the report should be considered 'a big deal’ according to NCDC scientists, as temperature changes are usually seen as fractions of degrees, but the 2012 is a full degree higher than the previous record of 1998. Nineteen states broke existing temperature records in 2012 and every state had an ‘above normal’ average temperature. The NCDC warned that these figures could lead to a change in what will be considered normal weather conditions in the US in the future.

The majority of states recorded temperatures 'much above normal' in 2012

(Image source - The Guardian)

Climate change campaigners have urged President Obama to fully commit to cutting carbon emissions following the release of the report. "This won't be the last time we break records like this," said Angela Anderson, the director of the Climate and Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. "The longer we delay reducing emissions, the more climate change we're going to lock in. The president has promised to make climate change a priority in his second term, but he needs to turn those words into action."

Shades of purple have been added to temperature charts to show high temperatures

(Image source - Daily Mail)

The NCDC will also release a report for global temperature next week, with the suggestion being that many countries will have experienced temperature rises during 2012. This week in Australia, as extreme wildfires rage through many areas, experts have had to add extra colours to temperature maps to highlight areas with temperatures above 54C.