Globally, 2020 was the second warmest year on record.

Here in Kansas, it was only slightly warmer than the 30-year-average.

https://www.noaa.gov/news/2020-was-earth-s-2nd-hottest-year-just-behind-2016

Because of increases in greenhouse gas emissions, average temperatures have been steadily rising for decades.

The world's seven-warmest year have all occurred since 2014.

Kansas' weather is a bit more variable, although those long-term trends can be found.

The 30-year statewide average temperature is 54.7 degrees. Last year the avg temp was 54.8. That's 39th warmest out of 126 years of records.

Long-term though, Kansas is getting warmer.

The average temperature over a decade has increased from 53.3 degrees in the 1900s, to 55.2 degrees in the 2010s.

The single warmest decade on record in Kansas, was actually the 1930s. Followed closely by the 2010s, 2000s and 1990s.

Climatologists say Kansas can continue to expect pretty variable weather (large swings from hot to cold, and wet to dry).

The largest effects of warming will be felt in the form of milder winters and warmer nights — not increased daily highs in the summer.