Scientists said 2026 is on track to be the hottest year on record
Scientists say 2026 is on course to become the hottest year on record, as climate change and El Niño raise global temperatures. Berkeley Earth, the independent U.S. research group behind the forecast, told BBC News it is 95% confident 2026 will surpass the previous record, set in 2024. The warning comes as COP31 opens in Turkey.
Get The Augerton Digest by email.
More context
Scientists say 2026 is on course to be the hottest year on record, as COP31 opened Monday in Antalya, Turkey. With two months remaining, the group estimates a 95% chance that 2026 will eclipse the 2024 temperature record. The outlook comes as the planet warms from climate change and El Niño. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) published its own report Monday, forecasting more cautiously that 2026 will be among the four warmest years on record. The WMO said an unusually powerful El Niño will continue into 2027, pushing temperatures higher. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said the forecast “gives new meaning to the phrase off the charts.” The summit comes as more nations face adapting to weather extremes while also cutting emissions.
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)