Hot Record! April Ranks 3rd Warmest for US

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Shades of red signifies warmer than average temperatures,deviating by up to 11 degrees Fahrenheit; while shades of blue signify cooler-than average temperatures of down to 11 degrees below average for April 2012.
Shades of red signifies warmer than average temperatures,deviating by up to 11 degrees Fahrenheit; while shades of blue signify cooler-than average temperatures of down to 11 degrees below average for April 2012. (Image credit: NOAA)

Last month's temperatures sustained the trend of unusually warm weather so far this year for most of the United States, bringing the third warmest April on record to the lower 48 states. Across the globe, April was the fifth warmest on record.

Both records, kept by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), date back to the late 19th century.

Of course, these temperature records are averages, so some places saw cool temperatures.

Norway and Sweden, for example, saw their coolest April since 1998.

The unusual warmth in many places, particulary Russia, the United States including Alaska, and parts of the Middle East and western Europe, may immediately bring to mind global warming; however, scientists who study climate avoid blaming human-caused climate change for short-term fluctuations in weather, because weather fluctuates from day to day and season to season. The effects of climate change become apparent only over the long term.

However, the warmth isn't unexpected. Records like NOAA's make it clear the world is warming up. For instance, the last decade that began in 2000 was the warmest on record for more than a century.

You can follow LiveScience writer Wynne Parry on Twitter @Wynne_Parry. Follow LiveScience for the latest in science news and discoveries on Twitter @livescience and on Facebook.

Wynne Parry
Wynne Parry
Wynne was a reporter at The Stamford Advocate. She has interned at Discover magazine and has freelanced for The New York Times and Scientific American's web site. She has a masters in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Utah.