Atmospheric water vapor reaches historic record high in August

Earth's atmosphere contained more water vapor in August than in any other month in recorded history, according to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This record-breaking level increases the global risk of extreme heat and heavy precipitation.

Data indicates that the amount of water vapor reached 27.35 kilograms per cubic meter, surpassing the previous record set in July 2024. Scientists attribute this surge to global warming, as warmer air can hold more moisture, and the El Niño phenomenon, which warms surface waters in the tropical Pacific.

August was also recorded as the hottest month on the planet according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) datasets dating back to 1850. Climatologist Andrew Dessler of Texas A&M University noted the unprecedented nature of the event, suggesting it is unlikely any month in the last several thousand, or perhaps even 100,000 years, has seen higher atmospheric water vapor levels.