![What’s the hottest Earth has been “lately”?](/sites/default/files/Comic_RollerCoaster_610.jpg)
Natural variability can explain much of Earth's average temperature variation since the end of the last ice age, but over the past century, global average temperature has risen from near the coldest to the warmest levels in the past 11,300 years.
![Map image for U.S. temperature extremes and the polar jet stream](/sites/default/files/styles/width_320/public/500mb_Jan14-21_scaled-200_to_200_480.jpg?itok=LYvvkUNt)
U.S. temperature extremes and the polar jet stream
September 16, 2014
![Map image for Record-breaking rain in Arizona](/sites/default/files/styles/width_320/public/flash_flood_mesaAZ_480.jpg?itok=3atmZN7r)
Record-breaking rain in Arizona
September 10, 2014
![Map image for Spring climate plays major role in Lake Erie algae blooms](/sites/default/files/styles/width_320/public/toledo_glass_algae_480.jpg?itok=J2ZkhXFf)
Spring climate plays major role in Lake Erie algae blooms
September 8, 2014
![Western drought brings Lake Mead to lowest level since it was built](/sites/default/files/lake_mead_low_480.jpg)
On July 11, Lake Mead reached its lowest water level since construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s. Many scientists are concerned that the prolonged drought could be a sign that the region will face significant water supply challenges due to climate change.
![Data Snapshots: Drought Outlook for September 2014](/sites/default/files/droughtoutlook-monthly-cpc--480x320--2014-09-00.png)
Drought in the far West and the southern portion of the Great Plains—regions that are already experiencing extreme and exceptional drought—will likely continue or worsen through September.
![Map image for 2014 temperature extremes: U.S. runs hot and cold](/sites/default/files/styles/width_320/public/jan-jul2014_mintemp_rank_480.jpg?itok=kVAttUnI)
2014 temperature extremes: U.S. runs hot and cold
August 29, 2014
![Map image for Groundwater: California’s big unknown](/sites/default/files/styles/width_320/public/SnowDepth-Wetness5-2014_480.jpg?itok=0RJYd13L)
Groundwater: California’s big unknown
August 27, 2014
![Data Snapshots: Sea Surface Temperature on August 19, 2014](/sites/default/files/oisst-daily-cdr--480-320--20140819_prelimi-na-ry.jpg)
More than halfway through August, the Atlantic Ocean has seen just two named storms. Despite the availability of heat energy at the sea's surface, atmospheric conditions have not been favorable for storm development.
![Future Temperature and Precipitation Change in Colorado](/sites/default/files/COTempPrecip-report_480.jpg)
Despite uncertainties around future precipitation change, it is clear that as temperatures rise in Colorado, the state is expected to face significant challenges to managing water resources, according to a new report.