2010 to rank as one of the top three warmest years

2010 is expected to rank in the top 3 warmest years since the beginning of instrumental climate records in 1850, according to data sources compiled by the World Meteorological Organization. The organization reports that the global combined sea surface and land surface air temperature for 2010 (January–October) is currently estimated at 0.99°F ± 0.20°F above the 1961–1990 annual average of 57.2°F. At present, 2010’s nominal value is the highest on record, just ahead of 1998 and 2005.
Data are also indicating that January-October 2010 temperatures are near record levels. The final ranking of 2010 will not become clear until November and December data are analyzed in early 2011. Over the 10 years from 2001 to 2010, global temperatures have averaged 0.83°F above the 1961-1990 average, 0.05°F above the 2000-09 average and the highest value ever recorded for a 10-year period.