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The spike, which is set to beat the previous record set in 2005, has left some areas of the Arctic with a third less ice than usual.

Researchers say man-made climate change and an El Nino--or natural warming of water--in the Pacific Ocean combined to cause the record-high temperatures.

The news came a day before nearly 200 countries approved a new set of small measures to curb global climate change. The same nations also have another year to extend the 13-year-old Kyoto Protocol, which offers stricter regulations on emissions levels and funds the bringing of clean energy to third-world countries.

Reach executive producer Paresh Dave here. Follow him on Twitter: @peard33.