Despite the influence of La Niña, December 2020 was the eighth-hottest December on record helping 2020 become the second-hottest year on record. 

January 2021 is favored to be wetter and warmer than average for much of the country.

December 2020 and the start of the 2020-2021 winter looks warmer and drier than average for much of the country.

October 2020 was the fourth warmest October on record dating back to 1880, which makes it the lowest-ranked month so far in 2020.

September 2020 was the hottest September on record for the globe, continuing a sweltering year. 

August 2020 was the second-hottest August on record, and it ended the hottest summer on record for the Northern Hemisphere.

July 2020 was the second-warmest July on record for the globe, as 2020 continues its scorching path to one of the hottest years on record.