March was hot in US, not so elsewhere in world

[April 17, 2012]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- While the United States baked to its hottest March by far, the rest of the world took a break last month from ever increasing temperatures.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the world as a whole had its coolest March since 1999. It was only the 16th warmest March since record keeping began in 1880. Still, the month was 0.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 Celsius) warmer than the 20th century average.

NOAA's Deke Arndt (AREnt) said though it was cooler than recent years, last month globally was warmer than the vast majority of Marches in the 20th century.

Arndt said the fading weather phenomenon La Nina has had a cooling effect globally.

[Associated Press]

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