"2023: A Record-Breaking Hot Year with Forecasts of Rising Global Temperatures"

The year 2023 has been declared the warmest year on record, surpassing the previous record set in 2016, with global temperatures well above 1 degree Celsius higher than average. This unprecedented heat has been attributed to a strong El Niño weather pattern and other climate factors, leading to severe droughts, catastrophic wildfires, and historically poor air quality in various regions. The U.S. experienced extreme heat waves but did not break its all-time temperature record due to a cooler start to the year. Additionally, both the Arctic and Antarctic sea ice extents reached record lows, contributing to further global warming.