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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Climate of 1998

April's Climate in Perspective
Jan-Apr Land Surface Temperature Anomalies 1880-1998

Climate Perspectives Branch, Global Climate Lab
National Climatic Data Center, Asheville, NC
May 4, 1998
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The period January-April 1998 was the warmest of the century according to the National Climatic Data Center. This conclusion was based on separately examining preliminary land data using the Global Historical Climatology Network, ocean data using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) - Reynolds Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) blended with the United Kingdom Meteorological Office Long Term SST analysis, and a global surface temperature index that combined the ocean and land data. The final ranking may change due to inclusion of new areas of the world not currently represented. However, even with additional data, the land surface, sea surface, and global surface temperatures for January-April 1998 will remain among the warmest on record. Each of the anomaly time series is based on its respective 1961-1990 mean.


For further information on the climate of 1998, contact:
Mike Crowe
NOAA/National Climatic Data Center
151 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801-5001
fax: 828-271-4328
email: michael.crowe@noaa.gov

for further information on GHCN, contact:

Thomas Peterson
NOAA/National Climatic Data Center
151 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801-5001
fax: 828-271-4328
email: thomas.c.peterson@noaa.gov

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Climate Resources / Climate Research / Climate Perspectives of 1998 / April's Climate in Perspective / Land Surface Temperature Anomalies 1880-1998 / Help