The amount of water vapor in Earth's atmosphere last month broke all-time records, the British daily The Guardian reported on the 17th (local time), citing estimates from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).

According to C3S estimates based on measurements from last August, the amount of water vapor in Earth's atmosphere was 27.35 kilograms per square meter (kg/m²), which is 0.04 kg/m² higher than the previous record set in July 2024.

This represents the amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere directly above every square meter of the Earth's surface.

The Guardian explained that the increase of 0.04 kg/m² compared to the previous record equates to 20 trillion liters when applied to the entire surface area of the Earth, which is equivalent to 20 giant cube-shaped masses of water, each measuring 1 kilometer in height, width, and depth.

These estimates were derived by combining humidity data measured by equipment such as satellites and weather instruments with weather models, with records dating back to 1979.

Last August, tied with July 2023, was the month with the highest global average surface temperature since 1940, and the hottest August on record since 1850.

Dr. Julien Nicolas, a senior scientist at C3S, explained that this record-high amount of water vapor in the atmosphere "is consistent with the record-breaking global average temperatures in August," adding that "for every degree of global warming, warmer air can hold about 7% more water vapor."

He explained that tropical oceans are the primary source of water vapor.

"Unusually high sea surface temperatures observed across these regions in August are linked in part to the presence and strengthening of El Niño conditions, and likely played a major role in increasing evaporation and driving global water vapor amounts to all-time highs," Dr. Nicolas said.

He went on to warn that increased water vapor levels can heighten the risk of heavy rainfall, including tropical cyclones.

"When water vapor condenses into cloud droplets, heat is released, which can provide additional energy to storms and increase their intensity," he explained.

The Guardian reported that the current El Niño climate pattern in the tropical Pacific is forecasted to become one of the strongest on record, with climate scientists projecting that this phenomenon could push global average temperatures to record levels next year.

Dr. Kimberly Reid, a climate scientist at the University of Melbourne whose specialty is water vapor research, said, "Temperature and water vapor are closely linked. Much like temperature records, these records are emerging due to emissions from burning fossil fuels and El Niño."

She explained, "Water vapor is also part of the climate feedback loop. Because water vapor is a greenhouse gas, the atmosphere warms further and absorbs more water vapor, with the root cause being added carbon dioxide and methane."