Record High Temperatures Expected Worldwide

According to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there is an 80 percent likelihood that at least one year in the next five will see record high temperatures globally. This indicates an increased risk of droughts, floods, and wildfires.

For the first time, the data has shown a small but significant chance that by 2030, there will be a year when the average temperature is 2°C higher than pre-industrial levels. The report notes that the last ten years have been the hottest in history.

The burning of oil, gas, coal, and trees continues to jeopardize the health of humanity, economies, and nature. The report is based on short-term weather data and long-term climate forecasts. It states that between 2025-2029, the five-year average temperature is likely to exceed 1.5°C, with a 70 percent probability, compared to pre-industrial levels. This brings the world closer to breaching the most ambitious target of the Paris Agreement, although this target is calculated based on a 20-year average.