Data released by NOAA puts 2010 into the history books as tying with 2005 as the warmest year globally since 1880.  The newly released report is sure to fuel the ongoing climate change and global warming debate for the year to come. 

The National Climatic Data Center’s information shows that the combined global land and ocean temperatures in 2010 were 1.12° F (0.62° C) above the 20th century average.  This ties the year with 2005 as the warmest on record. 

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Land surface temperatures globally were the warmest on record as a temperature anomaly of 1.8° F (1.0° C) was recorded.  The oceans fared better according to the NCDC with temperatures 0.88° F (0.49° C) above the 20th century average putting it in the books typing with as the third warmest on record. 

The United States separately was warm as well although not in record-setting form.  Warmer than average temperatures were recorded across much of the nation with the south being the exception.  NOAA said that temperatures are increasing at a rate of 0.12° F per decade. 

It may have been hot but it was also wet 

Precipitation globally was one area that was not lacking in 2010.  The year ranked as the wettest on record since 1900 far exceeding the 1961 – 1900 average.  

On a smaller scale, Central America, parts of Australia, southwestern China, east Asia, Borneo and much of India were the wettest regions.  Drought however was widespread in northwestern Canada, parts of Peru and Brazil, as well as the Hawaiian Islands.  

In the United States precipitation was also generally above average and overall 1.02 inches above the long-term average.  The agency says that precipitation is increasing at a rate of 0.18 inches per decade. 

• On the net: NOAA: 2010 Tied For Warmest Year on Record 

2010 Climate in Review Slideshow