The year 2025 has been recorded as the third hottest year in global history, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), highlighting the continuing impact of climate change on the planet.

In its latest climate assessment, the WMO said global average temperatures rose by 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels, keeping the world dangerously close to the 1.5°C threshold set under the Paris Agreement. The organization also confirmed that 2024 remains the hottest year ever recorded, followed by 2023, placing 2025 in third position.

The WMO explained that the El Niño climate phenomenon during 2023 and 2024 played a major role in pushing temperatures higher by trapping heat in the atmosphere and warming ocean surfaces. These effects continued to influence global weather patterns well into 2025.

A striking finding of the report was that January 2025 became the hottest January in recorded history, setting a worrying tone for the rest of the year. Scientists noted that prolonged heatwaves, melting ice, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense.

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However, the report also pointed to a slight decline in sea surface temperatures in parts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, offering limited relief. Experts cautioned that this cooling is temporary and does not signal a long-term reversal of global warming.

Looking ahead, the WMO warned that similar heat conditions are likely in 2026, urging governments to accelerate climate action, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and invest in adaptation measures to protect vulnerable communities.