The WMO Status of the Global Climate in 2011

Via:

The WMO Statement on the Status of the Global Climate in 2011 is the latest addition to a successful series. 

Although global mean surface temperatures in 2011 did not reach the record-setting levels of 2010, they were nevertheless the highest observed in a La Niña year. 

A number of climate extremes, in particular precipitation extremes, were recorded around the world. Many of the extremes associated with one of the strongest La Niña events of the past 60 years had 

major impacts worldwide. Significant flooding was recorded in many places, the most severe in South-East Asia, which caused about one thousand human fatalities deaths, while a major drought in East 

Africa led to a humanitarian disaster. 

Arctic sea ice continued its declining trend with an extent falling to near-record-low levels. Despite below-average global tropical cyclone activity, the United States of America experienced one of its most destructive tornado seasons on record. 

M Jarraud (the Secretary-General) expressed the appreciation of WMO to all the Centres and the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services of its 189 Members that collaborated with WMO and contributed to the key publication. And as with the previous editions, he would like to underscore the importance of anybody's feedback. 

Therefore the WMO looks forward to comments on the Statement on the Status of the Global Climate in 2011 and welcomes suggestions for its further improvement.