Some 1.3 billion people worldwide this year experienced the hottest June to August period on record, according to an AFP analysis of meteorological data from the European Copernicus programme.Fifty-two countries across all continents broke their seasonal temperature records for that period, AFP's analysis found.
The extreme heat has taken many forms, from unprecedented heatwaves in Europe to devastating drought in Sudan and toxic smoke in Indonesia.
In some countries, such as France and Britain, record temperatures were announced by meteorological agencies, but many less well-equipped nations do not publish detailed climate data.
AFP's analysis provides a global overview of temperature records.
The Copernicus dataset incorporates measurements taken by satellites, ground stations, as well as modelling. It covers the entire world, with hourly data going back to 1970.
