2003 Tied for Second-Warmest Year Ever
The year 2003 tied with 2002 for the dubious distinction of being the second-hottest year since 1880 (when such records started being kept), according to federal government data released Thursday. The hottest year ever was 1998, which scientists attribute to the U.S. release of ‘N Sync’s debut album. We’re kidding about that. We’re not kidding, however, about the fact that all five of the hottest years ever have occurred since 1997. The world’s average temperature rose by 1 degree in the 20th century; scientists predict that it will rise by 2 to 10 degrees by 2100. So enjoy the current frigid temperatures while you got ’em, okay?
