In August, the Earth’s atmosphere recorded the highest level of water vapor ever measured. According to scientists, this situation could fuel more powerful heat waves and extreme rainfall in various parts of the world.
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The information was published by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), part of the European program. Experts link the record to global warming, as warmer air is capable of holding more moisture. The El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean is also believed to have contributed to this increase.
During August, the amount of water vapor reached 27.35 kilograms per square meter, according to C3S measurements.
This figure is 0.04 kilograms per square meter higher than the previous record, recorded in July 2024.
The measurement represents the amount of water vapor contained in a column of air above one square meter of the Earth’s surface and extending throughout the entire atmosphere.
Scientists have calculated that the additional 0.04 kg/m² compared with the previous record translates into around 20 trillion more liters of water in the atmosphere.
Julien Nicolas, a senior scientist at C3S, said the new record for water vapor was consistent with the exceptionally high global temperatures recorded in August.
He explained that for every one degree Celsius of global warming, the air can hold around 7% more water vapor.
The tropical oceans are one of the main sources of atmospheric moisture. In August, the very high sea-surface temperatures in these regions, partly linked to strengthening El Niño conditions, increased evaporation and are believed to have contributed to the record being reached.
A higher concentration of water vapor can increase the intensity of rainfall, including rainfall associated with cyclones and powerful storms.
During condensation, when water vapor turns into droplets inside clouds, heat is released. This energy can help strengthen storms.
High humidity can also make heat waves more dangerous. It prevents temperatures from falling at night and makes it harder for the body to recover after days of extreme heat.
Copernicus’ ERA5 data, which cover the period through 1940, show that August was among the hottest months ever recorded.
Meanwhile, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) measurement series, which began in 1850, classified August as the hottest month recorded in its history.
Scientists attribute this trend to greenhouse gas emissions produced by the burning of fossil fuels. El Niño has also contributed to rising global temperatures.
Water vapor is a greenhouse gas and plays an important role in the functioning of the Earth’s climate system.
As the atmosphere warms, its capacity to hold water vapor also increases. Accumulated moisture can further strengthen the greenhouse effect and accelerate warming.
Although the recorded change may appear small in absolute terms, scientists emphasize that the continued increase in atmospheric moisture could significantly affect extreme temperatures, rainfall and storms.
El Niño, which is developing in the tropical Pacific, is expected to be among the strongest episodes ever recorded. According to scientists’ warnings, the phenomenon could affect global temperatures during the next year as well.
