The world's average temperature reached a new high on Monday July 3, touching 17 degrees Celsius for the first time.

According to data from the US National Centers for Environmental Prediction, the average global temperature on July 3 was recorded at 17C or 63F, compared to the previous record of 16.9C set in August 2016.

Scientists believe a combination of a natural weather event known as El Niño and mankind's ongoing emissions of carbon dioxide are driving the heat. Last month has also been confirmed as the world's warmest June yet recorded.

World had One of Three Warmest Julys on Record: WMO

Since the start of this year, researchers have been concerned about rising temperatures on land and at sea. Scientists believe that more records will be shattered as the summer goes on and El Niño gains strength.

The World Meteorological Organization's secretary-general, Petteri Taalas, said in a statement about the onset of El Niño: "The onset of El Niño will greatly increase the likelihood of breaking temperature records"

Monday's high is the warmest since satellite monitoring records began in 1979. Experts also believe it is the highest since widespread instrumental records began towards the end of the 19th century.

According to the WMO, El Niño conditions have developed in the tropical Pacific for the first time in seven years, and are bound to trigger a rise in temperatures.

A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in March said that global temperatures are likely to rise by 1.5C in the near future. The report also stated that global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to 60% below 2019 levels by 2035.

Read More: 50:50 Chance of Global Temperature Reaching 1.5°C in the Next 5 Years