NOAA: Odds Of Year Being This Hot? 1.6 Million

DETROIT (WWJ) - We've had a record-setting year in the United States when it comes to hot weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the U.S. has had the warmest 12-month period since record-keeping began in 1895.

The director of meteorology for Weather Underground, Jeff Masters, blames the hotter temperatures on global warming because humans are burning so much coal and oil.

"And if you look at the odds of this happening ... over the past 13 months , each of those 13 months has been in the top third historically. NOAA has computed the odds of that happening randomly are about oh, 1.6 million," said Masters.

With the warm weather, Masters expects a drought in the Midwest that will drive up food prices. He expects Michigan will so all right compared to the rest of the Midwest.

"I see this as strong evidence that yes indeed, we are having global warming going on and the best science we have says it's humans are responsible this time."

Locally, CBS 62 Chief Meteorologist Jim Madaus tells us that summer is here.

"We get a heat wave every once in a while and the good news about living in Michigan - this week will be a relief. Temperatures will be near normal, not nearly as uncomfortable as last week," Madaus said.

Find out more from NOAA HERE.

Check the CBS Detroit weather page for the extended forecast and up-to-the-minute information.