Hotter Years Ahead as Global Temperatures Keep Rising

The world is set to experience more extremely hot years over the next five years, according to a new international climate report.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says global temperatures are likely to stay near record levels between 2026 and 2030, with at least one year expected to be even hotter than 2024, which is currently one of the warmest years ever recorded.

The report, produced with the UK Met Office, warns that average global temperatures could range between 1.3°C and 1.9°C above pre-industrial levels.

Scientists say the Arctic will continue to warm much faster than the rest of the planet. Winter temperatures there are expected to be about 2.8°C above average, which is more than three times the global rate of warming.

The report also predicts that Arctic sea ice will continue to shrink, especially in areas like the Barents Sea and Bering Sea.

The report also points to the possibility of an El Niño weather pattern developing toward the end of 2026, which could push temperatures even higher and increase the chances of another record-hot year in 2027.