The Global Temperature Report is a monthly overview of global and regional tropospheric temperatures derived from satellite-based microwave measurements. It summarizes current atmospheric conditions and highlights notable temperature extremes worldwide. In addition to global averages, the report provides detailed regional temperature departures, identifying areas with significant anomalies. The satellite instruments measure atmospheric temperatures from the Earth’s surface up to approximately eight kilometers above sea level. Once each month’s data are collected and processed, the results are made publicly available on a public-facing server for immediate access.
The report was first developed in 1989 by John Christy and Roy Spencer. This pioneering dataset was the first global satellite temperature record of its kind and has received national recognition for fundamentally advancing climate monitoring. It represents a cornerstone achievement of our office and was awarded the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 1991.
View Monthly LT Time-Series Data
Global Temperature Report: July, 2026
July 2026
Layer = Lower Troposphere (LT)
Broken lines outline areas that were cooler than seasonal norms; solid lines outline areas that were warmer than seasonal norms. Each contour represents 1.0 degree Celsius, starting at -0.5 and +0.5 degrees C. Base Period is 1991-2020
Monthly Global Lower Troposphere v6.1 Anomaly
Base Period 1991-2020
December 1978 to July 2026