Hemispheric Surface Air Temperature Variations: Recent Trends and an Update to 1987

Abstract

The hemispheric mean land-surface air temperature series developed for both hemispheres by Jones et al. are updated through 1987. The global temperature estimate for 1987 is the third warmest on record, 1858–1987. Recent warming over the last 20 years (1967–86) is shown to be centered on middle latitude belts in both hemispheres.