2026 Likely to Be Hottest Year on Record, Scientists Warn
• Scientists have predicted that 2026 is on track to become the hottest year on record, driven by climate change and an unusually strong El Niño event. According to Berkeley Earth, there is a 95% chance that 2026 will surpass the previous record set in
• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has also forecasted that 2026 will be among the four warmest years, with 2027 expected to see continued warming due to the persistence of El Niño. The findings were shared as global leaders convened in Antalya, Turkey, for the COP31 climate summit to address emissions reductions and climate adaptation strategies.
Impact & Risks
The record-breaking heat in 2026 is expected to exacerbate extreme weather events, including wildfires, glacier collapses, and droughts. Vulnerable regions, including parts of Asia, are likely to face severe impacts on agriculture, water resources, and public health. The WMO warns that the combination of climate change and El Niño will amplify risks, making it critical for nations to adapt to the changing climate.
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