2026 will most likely be the second hottest year on record...

AI Executive Briefing
Verified Synthesis~34s readGlobal temperatures are now “virtually certain” to exceed 1.5C above pre-industrial levels in 2026. This year has a ’20 percent chance of tying or exceeding’ 2024 as the warmest ever seen, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, a monthly bulletin of the European Union Climate monitor.
Context & Background
- ✦The world experienced its warmest October on record, with average global surface air temperatures 1.75C above pre-industrial times, an era defined as 1850-1900, Copernicus added.
Key Figures & Named Entities
2024:This year has a ’20 percent chance of tying or exceeding’ 2024 as the warmest ever seen, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, a monthly bulletin of the European Union Climate monitor.2026:Global temperatures are now “virtually certain” to exceed 1.5C above pre-industrial levels in 2026.2023:The four-year average from 2023 to 2026 is also expected to top 1.5C, the preferred limit set in the Paris Agreement to avert the worst impacts of climate change.
Outlook & Next Steps
Follow original publisher reporting for subsequent developments, official responses, and verified updates.
Key Takeaways
Verified Extract- Global temperatures are now “virtually certain” to exceed 1.5C above pre-industrial levels in 2026.
- This year has a ’20 percent chance of tying or exceeding’ 2024 as the warmest ever seen, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, a monthly bulletin of the European Union Climate monitor.
- The world experienced its warmest October on record, with average global surface air temperatures 1.75C above pre-industrial times, an era defined as 1850-1900, Copernicus added.
Key Facts:2024: This year has a ’20 percent chance of tying or exceeding’ 2024 as the warmest ever seen, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, a monthly bulletin of the European Union Climate monitor.2026: Global temperatures are now “virtually certain” to exceed 1.5C above pre-industrial levels in 2026.2023: The four-year average from 2023 to 2026 is also expected to top 1.5C, the preferred limit set in the Paris Agreement to avert the worst impacts of climate change.Monday: The latest bulletin comes as nations prepare to meet on Monday for the UN’s two-week COP31 climate summit in Turkey after a year marked by deadly floods in Nepal, searing heatwaves in Europe and major wildfires in Indonesia.
Editorial Excerpt
This year has a '20 percent chance of tying or exceeding' 2024 as the warmest ever seen, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, a monthly bulletin...
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the key takeaway from this report?
Global temperatures are now “virtually certain” to exceed 1.5C above pre-industrial levels in 2026.
What additional context is highlighted in this report?
This year has a ’20 percent chance of tying or exceeding’ 2024 as the warmest ever seen, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, a monthly bulletin of the European Union Climate monitor.
What timeline or key figures were confirmed?
This year has a ’20 percent chance of tying or exceeding’ 2024 as the warmest ever seen, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, a monthly bulletin of the European Union Climate monitor.