2026 could be another record-hot year, says UK Met Office

Technology Dec 18, 2025

The UK Met Office expects global temperatures in 2026 to be about 1.46°C above preindustrial levels—still among the four hottest years ever recorded, even if it's just shy of the all-time high set in 2024.

Why does this matter?

If this forecast holds, 2026 will be the fourth year in a row with temps above 1.4°C—a big shift from earlier years that stayed below this mark.
Scientists warn we're getting uncomfortably close to the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target, mostly due to fossil fuel emissions and stressed carbon sinks.
The World Meteorological Organization says there's a 93% chance we'll see at least one new heat record by 2026—highlighting the urgent need for climate action.