We’ve had a hot start to the new millennium, researchers say. Years 2000 through 2009 made up the hottest decade on record. The second warmest decade, in case you were wondering, was the previous decade: 1990 through 1999.In 2009 global temperatures were 1.01 degree above average, which tied for the fifth warmest ever. Overall, the last decade averaged .96 degrees hotter than normal.
2005 was 1.11 degrees above normal.
In the United States during the last year the temperature averaged .3 degrees above normal. It was also the 18th wettest year on record, averaging nationwide 33.8 inches.
Other U.S records were set this decade, including:
1) A 10th consecutive summer of above normal temperatures in the Northwest
2) A record winter drought in Texas
3) The most active tornado season in Louisiana and Alabama
4) New snowfall records for Spokane, Washington, and International Falls, Minnesota.
