Researchers have done significant work on what "the hottest EVER" actually means. It turns out that much of the data may be skewed by dismissing past extreme measurements as mistakes. When in reality, the present data shows that climate change - WHICH IS REAL - is completely misunderstood. Our current highest "highs" are actually much lower and less frequent than those in the past, as are our lowest lows. This fits perfectly with filter theory. Since CO2 is a filter, it buffers against temperatures rising too much and falling too much. So, in reality, our fear of "extreme weather events" is misleading and probably backward. As CO2 enters the atmosphere, expect fewer extreme weather events and more gradual shifts. In addition, many data-collecting devices once considered "remote" are now closer to parking lots and urban environments, which generate heat islands. In short, we cannot take these pronouncements at face value.