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. Global Temperature Report: January, 2026 January 2026 Layer = Lower Troposphere (LT) Monthly Anomaly in •C 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 Year December 1978 to January 2026 View the Full Global Temperature Report
