Global temperatures soared to new record in September | First Thing

Scientists are stunned by the hottest September on record; plus, the world's third most powerful wind gust

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Good morning.

Global temperatures set a new record in September by a huge margin, beating the previous record for the month by 0.5C - the largest jump in temperature ever seen.

The high temperatures have driven heatwaves and wildfires across the world, with the UK, France, Germany, and Poland reporting record highs.

The heat is the result of the continuing high levels of carbon dioxide emissions combined with a rapid flip of El Nino, which releases ocean heat and drives up temperatures.