WMO, UK Met Office Warn of Record Global Heat

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UK Met Office warn that there is an 80% chance at least one year between 2025 and 2029 will surpass 2024 as the hottest on record. Global average temperatures are projected to be 1.2°C to 1.9°C above pre-industrial levels, with a 70% chance the five-year average will exceed the 1.5°C limit and an 86% chance at least one year will breach that threshold. Persistent warming is expected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather, including heatwaves, hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires. Arctic warming is forecast to outpace global trends, causing further sea ice loss, while regions such as the US and Amazon may see more severe droughts. The past decade was the warmest on record, driven by high atmospheric carbon dioxide. Despite mounting risks, major economies have recently weakened their climate commitments, heightening concerns over global climate action.