According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the year 2001 was the second warmest globally since record keeping began in 1880. Only 1998 ranked higher, and temperatures that year were boosted by strong El Nino conditions. The 2001 temperatures reached their high level despite beginning with weak La Nina conditions, which tend to reduce average global temperatures.

Temperatures in the U.S. were also above average. The year ranked as the sixth warmest for the nation since record keeping began in 1895.

Publication date: 04/22/2002