News Climate

2020 and 2016 tie for the hottest years on record

Last year, record-breaking heat waves struck around the world

man wearing mask at Santa Monica beach

A record-breaking, intense heat wave struck Southern California (including Santa Monica, shown) in September 2020.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

By Carolyn Gramling

- More than 2 years ago

2020 is in a “dead heat” with 2016 for the hottest year on record, scientists with NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced January 14.