However, the CRU global mean combined landair / sea surface temperature estimates for Jan - Aug 2005 lag behind the 1998 annual mean estimate by 0.08 C (0.50 C vs. 58C for 1998) while GISS indicates a lag of 0.02 C.
Jones and Moberg (2003) revised and updated the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) monthly land - surface air temperature record, improving coverage particularly in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) in the late 19th century.