The World Meteorological Organization says 2025 could finish as the second- or third-warmest year since the industrial revolution, based on datasets to be presented at COP30. The 2015–2025 period is now the warmest 11-year span in the 176-year record, and every month since June 2023 set a new monthly temperature record except February 2025. From January to August 2025 global temperatures averaged about 1.42°C above 1850–1900; greenhouse gases reached new highs and Arctic sea-ice post-winter growth was at a record low. Although short-term variability slightly slowed recent sea-level rise, the long-term upward trend continues.
WMO Warns 2025 Could Be Second- or Third-Warmest Year; Oceans and Arctic Most Affected
The World Meteorological Organization says 2025 could finish as the second- or third-warmest year since the industrial revolution, based on datasets to be presented at COP30. The 2015–2025 period is now the warmest 11-year span in the 176-year record, and every month since June 2023 set a new monthly temperature record except February 2025. From January to August 2025 global temperatures averaged about 1.42°C above 1850–1900; greenhouse gases reached new highs and Arctic sea-ice post-winter growth was at a record low. Although short-term variability slightly slowed recent sea-level rise, the long-term upward trend continues.
02:55, 07.11.2025Environment
WMO: 2025 may rank among the hottest years on record
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned on Thursday that 2025 could finish as the second- or third-warmest year since the start of the industrial revolution. The projection is based on datasets the WMO will present at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil.
The Geneva-based agency reported that the 2015–2025 period is now the warmest 11-year span in the 176-year observational record. It identified 2023, 2024 and 2025 as the three hottest years, and noted that every month since June 2023 set a new global monthly temperature record, with the exception of February 2025.
From January through August 2025, global average temperature anomalies were about 1.42°C above the 1850–1900 pre-industrial baseline. By comparison, 2024 remains the warmest calendar year to date at approximately 1.55°C above that reference period.
Key indicators and observed impacts
- Greenhouse gases: Atmospheric concentrations reached record highs again in 2024 and continued to increase in 2025.
- Regional impacts: Many parts of Africa and Asia experienced severe flooding, Europe and North America saw major wildfires, and several strong hurricanes occurred.
- Polar changes: Arctic sea ice exhibited its smallest post-winter growth on record, underscoring rapid polar warming.
- Sea levels: Short-term natural variability has slightly reduced the recent rate of sea-level rise, but the long-term upward trend remains unchanged.
The WMO emphasized that these trends strengthen the case for urgent emissions reductions and expanded adaptation measures worldwide. Full datasets and technical analysis will be made available at COP30 in Belém.
What this means: Sustained record temperatures, rising greenhouse gases, and rapid polar change increase risks to ecosystems, infrastructure and communities, especially in vulnerable regions.