U.S. Maximum Historical Temperatures Versus August 2023 & Correlation With CO2

In regards to U.S. maximum temperatures, the first chart displays the historical maximum monthly temperature values for the United States as published by NOAA, similar to this prior article about historical precipitation. (Note that the August 2023 maximum temperature is shown as a green dot on the chart.)

And the bottom chart is a scatter plot for the last 60 years of monthly maximum temperature anomalies along with the corresponding monthly atmospheric CO2 levels.

The scatter plot includes a best fit regression line, which provides the basis for the strength of the relationship calculation (R² = +0.098) between the two variables, temperature anomalies and CO2 levels.

With the R² being a minuscule +0.098 for the 60-year period, it objectively indicates a nonexistent relationship between U.S. maximum temperatures and atmospheric CO2 levels.

And since statistics demonstrate that CO2 levels have little effect on U.S. temperatures, it follows that emissions from the burning of fossil fuels into the atmosphere have little to no effect.

(click on to enlarge)

Note: Source for max temperature data; source for CO2 data. Excel used for all calculations and plotting.

Additional regional and global temperature charts.