Important Facts of the News
- 2025 is projected to be the second or third hottest year in the 176-year temperature record.
- The years 2015 to 2025 will each rank among the warmest eleven years ever recorded.
- Average global surface temperature in January–August 2025 was 1.42°C ± 0.12°C above the pre-industrial baseline.
- Heat-trapping greenhouse gas concentrations and ocean heat content continued to rise after reaching records in 2024.
- Arctic winter sea ice extent was the lowest ever documented, while Antarctic sea ice stayed well below average.
- Sea level rise continued long-term upward movement despite a small temporary natural variation.
- Major climate-related disasters such as floods, heatwaves, and wildfires affected lives, food systems, and economies to August 2025.
- WMO Secretary-General expressed that temporary overshoot of the 1.5°C threshold is highly likely.
- UN Secretary-General warned that prolonged warming above 1.5°C will worsen inequalities and long-term damage.
- Countries with multi-hazard early warning systems increased from 56 in 2015 to 119 in 2024, but 40% still lack them.
- Nearly two-thirds of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services now provide climate services, compared to around 35% five years ago.
Global Temperatures Continue Unprecedented Rise
The persistent and unusually high global temperatures seen in recent years are set to continue in 2025, which is expected to be either the second or third warmest year ever recorded. According to the State of the Global Climate Update released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the period from 2015 to 2025 marks the warmest sequence of years within nearly two centuries of observation. The average near-surface temperature recorded during the first eight months of 2025 stood 1.42°C above levels observed before industrial development.
Greenhouse Gases and Ocean Heat Still Increasing
The report indicates that concentrations of greenhouse gases, along with ocean heat content, continued their upward trend after reaching previous highs in 2024. Arctic sea ice after winter reached its lowest extent ever measured, while Antarctic ice remained well below typical levels. Sea levels also continued rising despite a brief natural fluctuation that slightly altered the short-term pattern.
Widespread Impacts Across Regions
Extreme weather emergencies up to August 2025, including intense rainfall, flooding, prolonged heatwaves, and destructive wildfire outbreaks, caused widespread disruptions. These events affected livelihoods, displaced communities, and placed pressure on food production systems. The impacts also slowed efforts toward sustainable development and hindered economic progress in several regions.
Urgent Need for Climate Response and Preparedness
WMO leadership reiterated that keeping long-term warming within the 1.5°C limit remains essential. However, temporary overshooting of this limit appears increasingly likely. The UN Secretary-General similarly emphasized that continued warming would deepen global inequalities and cause irreversible harm, calling for fast and large-scale action to reduce the degree and duration of overshoot.
Strengthening Climate Services and Early Warning Systems
The report also highlights progress in preparedness measures. The number of countries implementing multi-hazard early warning systems has more than doubled since 2015. Even so, significant gaps remain, with two out of every five countries still lacking such systems. More national meteorological agencies are now involved in climate planning, providing seasonal forecasts and climate intelligence for sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, and water.