2016 Warmest Year on Record (IMAGE) University of Arizona Caption 2016 is officially the new warmest year on record, edging out previous record holder 2015 by 0.07°F, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2016 was the third year in a row that global average surface temperature set a new record. Credit NASA Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.