Zack Labe

@zacklabe

Climate Scientist at @climatecentral.org | PhD | Passionate about improving science communication through data-driven stories | Harrisburg, PA Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are only my own.

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Zack Labe@zacklabe· 28d

The spatial pattern of sea surface temperature anomalies remains much of the same across the #Arctic in June, with the cooler departures persisting around Alaska. However, the warmth has grown in the Barents and Norwegian Seas and all the way to Europe. Data from www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/opt... 🌊

Polar stereographic map showing sea surface temperature anomalies in June 2026 relative to 1982 to 2010. Most areas are warmer than average. Sea-ice cover is also shown if sea-ice concentration is at least 15% per each grid point. Red is shown for warmer sea surface temperatures, and blue is shown for colder sea surface temperatures. Data is from OISSTv2.1.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· 29d

Upper ocean heat content (0 to 700 m depth) also set a new record high with the latest data update to start 2026. 🌊 Graphic shows anomalies and is produced by www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/globa...

Line graph time series of global ocean heat content for the 0-700 m layer for 3-month averages (red line), yearly averages (black line), and five years averages from the late 1950s to 2026 (blue line). There is a long-term warming trend. Ocean heat content is measured in 10^22 Joules with a y-axis range from nearly -10 to 35.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· 29d

Monday ice update - #Arctic sea ice extent is currently the 8th lowest on record (JAXA data) • about 260,000 km² below the 2010s mean • about 1,030,000 km² below the 2000s mean • about 1,780,000 km² below the 1990s mean • about 2,580,000 km² below the 1980s mean More: zacklabe.com/arctic-sea-i...

Line graph time series of 2026's daily Arctic sea ice extent compared to decadal averages from the 1980s to the 2010s. The decadal averages are shown with different colored lines with purple for the 1980s, blue for the 1990s, green for the 2000s, and white for the 2010s. Thin white lines are also shown for each year from 2000 to 2025. 2026 is shown with a thick gold line. There is a long-term decreasing trend in ice extent for every day of the year shown on this graph between June and August by looking at the decadal average line positions.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· 29d

Loss of July #Arctic sea ice thickness averaged by decade... 📉 More info on data: climatedataguide.ucar.edu/climate-data...

Four polar stereographic maps showing Arctic sea ice thickness for the month of July in 1986-1995, 1996-2005, 2006-2015, and 2016-2025. Thickness is shown with colors from black at 0 meters to purple at 2.5 meters to white at 5.0 meters. Sea ice in thinning in all regions over time.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 13

Oh look, another all-time record high temperature shattered... Salt Lake City, Utah today. Once again, climate change made this heat more likely. Are you hearing that connection when these records are discussed? We will have more on this later this week: www.climatecentral.org/climate-brie...

Graphic showing the Climate Shift Index for July 12, 2026 using data from the 18z GFS model for average temperatures. The graphic shows the change in likelihood due to climate change across the western United States. Many areas are seeing a maximum of temperatures being at least 5x more likely due to climate change. This tool is available at https://csi.climatecentral.org/climate-shift-index.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 12

Sea surface temperatures remained anomalously warm in June across the North Pacific, though did not set any new regional records (unlike some recent months) 🌊 Graph shows the average for a band across the midlatitudes for every June from 1854-2026 using ERSSTv5 data (psl.noaa.gov/data/gridded...).

Green line graph time series of average sea surface temperature anomalies for each June from 1854 through 2026 for only the midlatitude region of the North Pacific Ocean. There is large interannual variability, but an overall long-term increasing trend. Anomalies are computed relative to a 1981-2010 baseline. 2026 is a record high.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 12

Interesting visual structure to the temperature anomalies averaged by land from the last 3 months, with the greatest relative warmth further north. [Plot shows zonal-mean surface air temperature anomalies, where latitude = y-axis (not scaled by distance). Data from GISTEMPv4 with a 1951-1980 base]

Bar graph showing zonal mean surface air temperature anomalies for the period of April 2026 to June 2026. Most all latitude bands observed above average temperature anomalies, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 11

🚨 The #Arctic saw its hottest June on record for the month! The region's 10 warmest Junes have all been observed since 2012, with most of this warming trend coming from over northern land areas. Data from NOAAGlobalTemp: www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monit...

Line graph time series of Arctic mean surface temperature anomalies for each June period from 1850 through 2026. There is a long-term increasing trend and large year-to-year variability. The mean surface temperature anomaly averaged for June 2026 was 2.22°C for the Arctic. Anomalies are computed relative to a 1901-2000 climate baseline. Data from NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI NOAAGlobalTemp v6.1.0.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 11

One of the largest temperature anomalies anywhere in the world last month was across western Siberia, with departures well above 5°C greater than the 1981-2010 average. This area also has very strong warming trends, partially related to decreasing seasonal snow cover. Data from ERA5 reanalysis.

Polar stereographic map of a region across Siberia and the Barents-Kara Seas of the Arctic. The map shows temperature anomalies with red being warmer than average and blue being colder than average relative to a 1981-2010 baseline using ERA5 data. Most places are warmer than average during this month of June 2026.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 10

Friday ice update - #Arctic sea ice extent is currently the 7th lowest on record (JAXA data) • about 200,000 km² below the 2010s mean • about 1,070,000 km² below the 2000s mean • about 1,830,000 km² below the 1990s mean • about 2,590,000 km² below the 1980s mean More: zacklabe.com/arctic-sea-i...

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 10

Last month was the *2nd* hottest June on record for our planet. This was estimated at 1.39°C warmer than a pre-industrial (1850-1900) average. El Niño is also well underway and clearly visible in the anomaly maps. Summary from @copernicusecmwf.bsky.social at climate.copernicus.eu/surface-air-...

Orthographic map showing 2-m air temperature anomalies in June 2026 relative to a 1981-2010 baseline. This visualization shows North and South America. There was quite a bit of spatial variability in the pattern of anomalies.

Orthographic map showing 2-m air temperature anomalies in June 2026 relative to a 1981-2010 baseline using ERA5 data. This visualization shows Africa, Europe, and western Asia. There is large temperature variability, with the warmest spot over western Russia and western Europe.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 10

100 years of June sea surface temperature anomalies... wait for the last frame (record high) 🫣 Data from ERSSTv6: www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/ext... 🌊

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 9

🚨 The data is finally in for the first quarter of the year, and it's not looking good... Global ocean heat content just set another new record high! Data (anomalies) & methods from www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/globa...

Line graph time series of global ocean heat content for the 0-2000 m layer for 3-month averages, yearly averages, and five years averages from the late 1950s to 2026. There is a long-term warming trend. The baseline is 1955-2006 for the zero reference to calculate the anomalies.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 9

The last three months have averaged the highest global mean sea surface temperature on record relative to any other April-May-June period (since at least 1854)... 🌊 Data from www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/ext...

Green line graph time series of average sea surface temperature anomalies for each April-June from 1854 through 2026. There is large interannual variability, but an overall long-term increasing trend. Anomalies are computed relative to a 1981-2010 baseline.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 9

The very persistent lack of #Antarctic sea ice in the Bellingshausen Sea region continued in June. In contrast, sea ice cover is much more widespread than average near the Ross Sea. + More visuals of sea ice: zacklabe.com/antarctic-se... + Sea ice concentration means the fraction of ice in an area.

Two polar stereographic maps side-by-side showing Antarctic sea ice concentration and its anomalies relative to 1981-2010 for June 2026. Red shading is shown for less ice, and blue shading is shown for more ice. More areas are below average than above. Antarctica is masked out in grey shading.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 9

Wednesday El Niño update - Sea surface temperature anomalies have jumped a bit in the last few days in the important Niño region 3.4 (record high). The warm pool is also extending pretty far east already! Conditions look favorable for more strengthening in the near-term. Data from NOAA OISSTv2.1. 🌊

Line graph time series of daily sea surface temperature anomalies in the Nino3.4 region. Years are shown from 1982 to 2025 in shades of blue to light yellow, and 2026 is shown in red. Climatologically, the largest anomalies are during the boreal winter in terms of magnitude. Data is from OISSTv2.1.

Map of July 7, 2026 average sea surface temperature anomalies in the ENSO monitoring regions. Data is from NOAA OISSTv2.1 with anomalies relative to a 1991-2020 baseline.

Graphic showing the 1-week change in sea surface temperature anomalies across the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean. Data is from NOAA OISSTv2.1

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 8

Looking at last month's average #Arctic sea ice concentration anomalies reveals the clearly missing ice over the Barents Sea basin to the east of Svalbard. In contrast, ice is more persistent around the Beaufort Sea. + Concentration = fraction of sea ice + Graphics from zacklabe.com/arctic-sea-i...

Graphic showing a polar stereographic map of June 2026 Arctic sea ice concentration anomalies with anomalies from -50% in red shading to +50% in blue shading. More areas are below normal than above normal.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 8

Here are the latest monthly-averaged observations of global methane (CH₄; a potent greenhouse gas)... March 2026 - 1937.86 ppb March 2025 - 1933.60 ppb + Data: gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends_... + More info on trends: doi.org/10.1126/scie...

Red colored line graph time series of global atmospheric methane abundance from January 1984 through March 2026. Methane abundance is measured in units of parts per billion. Current levels are 1938 ppb. A seasonal cycle is visible on the graph. There is also decadal variability and a long-term increasing trend.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 8

Sure! Here is a version with 1976:

Two maps side-by-side (July 1976 and July 2025) for surface temperature anomalies. It is much warmer globally in 2025 than 1976, which is more isolated for the heat extreme over the UK.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 7

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) averaged about 431 ppm in June 2026 10 years ago June averaged about 407 ppm Data available at gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/

Red line graph time series of monthly carbon dioxide abundance from January 1959 through June 2026. There is a seasonal cycle and long-term increasing trend. Current levels of CO2 are at 431 ppm. This is the Keeling Curve graph. A line for CO2 10 years ago is also annotated.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 6

Monday ice update - #Arctic sea ice extent is currently the 4th lowest on record (JAXA data) • about 270,000 km² below the 2010s mean • about 1,080,000 km² below the 2000s mean • about 1,820,000 km² below the 1990s mean • about 2,520,000 km² below the 1980s mean More: zacklabe.com/arctic-sea-i...

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 6

El Niño continues to grow, with sea surface temperatures clearly at record high levels for the time of year... 📈 Sign up for our next monthly briefing to learn more, including Q/A: climatecentral-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi.... We'll also have an update on 2026's U.S. billion-dollar disasters so far.

Line graph time series of daily Nino 3.4 sea surface temperatures from 1982 to 2026. This year is currently a record high for this time of year. Data is from NOAA OISSTv2.1, and the graphic is created by Climate Central.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 6

A slide from one of my talks on regional climate change... Our planet's climate today is fundamentally different globally from the heat extremes of the Dust Bowl era.

Two maps side-by-side (July 1936 and July 2025) for surface temperature anomalies. It is much warmer globally in 2025 than 1936, which is more isolated for the heat extreme over the central U.S. during the Dust Bowl.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 5

Here's a closer look at sea surface temperature departures averaged across the tropical Pacific Ocean in June 2026. The largest anomalies with the developing El Niño were east-based, though this is likely to evolve over time during the next few months. Data from www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/opt... 🌊

Map of June 2026 average sea surface temperature anomalies in the ENSO monitoring regions. Data is from NOAA OISSTv2.1 with anomalies relative to a 1991-2020 baseline.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 5

🚨 Last month set a new record for the hottest average global sea surface temperature in the month of June! Graphic using NOAA ERSSTv5 data: psl.noaa.gov/data/gridded... 🌊

Green line graph time series of average sea surface temperature anomalies for each June from 1900 through 2026. There is large interannual variabaility, but an overall long-term increasing trend. Anomalies are computed relative to a 1981-2010 baseline.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 5

This is another reminder that extreme heat affects more than just our air temperatures. The impacts are also being felt across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Reports of a fish kill nearby DC in the Potomac with water temperatures over 90°F (32°C)...

Screenshot of a facebook post from the Maryland Department of the Environment saying: "We’re aware of reports of a fish kill in the Potomac River near Seneca. Our biologist recorded water temperatures at a record 94°F. This can trigger a summer turnover event, when layered warm and cold water suddenly mix and oxygen-poor water rises to the surface, stressing fish."

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 5

It's still early, but there are some growing signs for a potentially very strong upper-level ridge (heat dome) building across the Western U.S. by mid-July. This could bring with it another round of extreme heat. Stay tuned! Maps from polarwx.com/models and mapwall.met.psu.edu/ewall/wxworld/

Graphic showing a spaghetti plot of the ECMWF ensemble for 500 hPa for July 14, 2026 over North America.

Graphic showing GFS 3-week percentile ranks for 500-hPa by mid July across the U.S., which are at right high levels.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 4

We'll have to update our holiday graphic! Washington, D.C. just set a new record for its hottest Fourth of July on record! Happy 250! 🥵 Find your city here from @climatecentral.org: www.climatecentral.org/climate-matt...

Graphic showing Washington D.C. July warming and July 4th extremes. The hottest until this year was 100°F in 1919, and the coolest was 52°F in 1933. Temperatures have increased by 3°F since 1970. Graphic from Climate Central.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 4

This is a clear example of a compound hazard event (i.e., amplified societal impacts). Severe thunderstorms knocked out power for nearly 250,000 people last night, and many are now seeing near-record heat today while still without electricity. Orange: heat advisories Pink: excessive heat warnings

Map of current NWS warnings and advisories on July 4, 2026 for the MidAtlantic. Map from WeatherFront.

Current MidAtlantic region power outages on July 4, 2026. Map from https://poweroutage.us/area/regions/mid-atlantic.

Zack Labe@zacklabe· Jul 4

🚨 Well that's that. The Barents Sea had its earliest melt-out of #Arctic sea ice on record this summer! ICYMI: I wrote up a blog on this extreme event: zacklabe.com/climate-viz-.... This is already one of the fastest changing climates in the world.