August is latest month to break its temperature record

August was the 16th month in a row to break its temperature record, federal scientists reported Tuesday. 

The average global temperature in August was 61.76 degrees Fahrenheit, 1.66 degrees above the 20th century average. The mark broke the record set by August 2015 by 0.09 degrees Fahrenheit. 

{mosads}The 1.66-degree departure from average is tied for the eighth-largest departure on record, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported. Record-keeping dates back to 1880. 

The 16-month streak of monthly temperature records is the longest scientists have ever recorded, NOAA said. It sets the stage for a record-breaking annual temperature mark this year, as well, likely shattering the figure set in 2015. 

The eight-month period between January and August broke its record, as well, with an average global temperature 1.82 degrees above the 20th century average, NOAA reported. That broke the record set during the same period last year by 0.29 degrees.