September 2020 stood out for a number of reasons. The month was the hottest September on record and the year was on track to be the hottest since records were first kept in 1880. The sweltering temperatures were blamed for extreme weather in the United States, Europe, Asia, and elsewhere. Extreme heat was not the only news in September. At the other end of the weather spectrum temperatures in the Northern Plains plunged 55°F (30°C) in one day, bringing a rapid end to the growing season a month sooner than average. Scientists say the upsurge in volatile weather is caused by a rapidly heating climate that is a direct result of fossil fuel consumption. -- Provided by publisher.