When will global temperatures exceed 1.5C according to the Met Office?

The Met Office forecasts that 2026 could see temperatures exceeding 1.5C, similar to the temporary exceedance observed in 2024.

What is the Met Office's forecast for 2026's global temperature?

The Met Office projects 2026 will be among the four hottest years since 1850, with temperatures between 1.34C and 1.58C above preindustrial levels.

How does natural variation like El Niño affect global temperatures?

Natural variations like El Niño can boost global temperatures temporarily, but they occur against a backdrop of persistent warming from heat-trapping gases.

Home / Environment / Earth Heats Up: 2026 Poised for Record Temperatures

Earth Heats Up: 2026 Poised for Record Temperatures

18 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Global temperatures are projected to exceed 1.4C above preindustrial levels next year.
2026 is anticipated to be among the four hottest years recorded since 1850.
Temporary exceedances of the 1.5C Paris target have already occurred in 2024.

Earth Heats Up: 2026 Poised for Record Temperatures

Meteorologists project that global temperatures will rise more than 1.4C above preindustrial levels next year, driven by ongoing fossil fuel pollution.

While slightly cooler than the record 2024, 2026 is anticipated to rank among the four hottest years recorded since 1850. This warming trend signifies a critical juncture as the Earth experiences conditions not seen before in human history.

This surge in temperatures brings the world closer to the 1.5C Paris Agreement target, which was temporarily breached in 2024. Scientists caution that the Earth's stable climate is increasingly jeopardized by heat-trapping gases and failing carbon sinks.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.