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Global Warming Continues: January 2026 Hottest on Record
11 Feb
Summary
- January 2026 was the fifth-hottest January globally on record.
- Global average temperature was 1.47C above preindustrial levels.
- Severe cold waves hit North America and Europe despite global warming.
The planet experienced its fifth-hottest January on record in 2026, despite widespread cold waves across the United States and Europe. These severe winter conditions were driven by a polar jet stream pushing icy air into North America and Europe during the final weeks of January.
However, monthly temperatures were significantly above average in many global regions, including substantial parts of the Arctic and western North America. This juxtaposition illustrates the dual nature of climate events, with extreme cold in one area occurring alongside warmer-than-average conditions elsewhere.
The global average temperature for January 2026 stood at 1.47C above preindustrial levels. This continues an extended period of human-driven warming, with recent years consistently ranking among the warmest on record, reinforcing the persistent climate challenge.
