Currently in the Twin Cities — August 1, 2023: Dry all week

The weather, currently.

Well we squeezed out a warmer than normal July, mostly thanks to last week’s heat. The middle couple weeks of the month were cooler than normal. Interestingly, June was so hot this year that it was warmer than July by a few tenths of a degree- something that’s only happened 9 other times in our 150 year records. June is typically the third warmest month of the year. Heat is returning this week with upper 80s Tuesday and highs near 90+ Wednesday & Thursday. Rain chances will be spotty unfortunately. Cooler air arrives for the weekend into next week when may run below normal for temperatures.

— Sven Sundgaard

What you need to know, currently.

The numbers are in, and July 2023 will be the hottest month in recorded history — possibly in at least 120,000 years.

“These are the hottest temperatures in human history,” said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, a division of the European Union.

According to the Berkeley Earth project, the odds are now 81% that this year will end up being the hottest in history. And since we’re in a strengthening El Niño, it’s already nearly certain that 2024 will be hotter than 2023.

At some level, records like these don’t matter much unless they are tied to stronger efforts to systematically phase out the fossil fuels that are responsible. Only then will meaningful climate action be possible.

Currently’s sister publication, The Phoenix, has published a list today of how each one of us can ramp up efforts to connect these climate disasters with the need for profound social change.

—Eric Holthaus

What you can do, currently.

Currently is now a member of the Covering Climate Now partnership, a resource-sharing initiative devoted to making sure the biggest story in human history is told in ways that resonate with everyone.

Take a look at the list of our new partners and maybe find a new favorite podcast or website to support!