2015 year-to-date temperatures versus previous years

This graphic compares the year-to-date temperature anomalies for 2015 (black line) to what were ultimately the six warmest years on record: 2014, 2010, 2013, 2005, 2009, and 1998. Each month along each trace represents the year-to-date average temperature. In other words, the January value is the January average temperature, the February value is the average of both January and February, and so on.

The anomalies themselves represent departures from the 20^th century average temperature. The graph zooms into the warmest part of the entire history. For a broader perspective on how these years relate to the long-term record, click here.

Global Year to Date Temperature Anomalies