2026 will rank among the four warmest years on record

WMO released its State of the Climate Update 2026 on the first day of COP31. Each of the past 12 years ranks among the warmest on record, and 2023–2026 are the top four. Global mean near-surface temperature for January–September 2026 was 1.47±0.13°C above the 1850–1900 average. Sea level reached a record, the ocean continues to absorb about 90% of excess heat and Earth's energy imbalance is rising faster. Most data stop in September, while an El Niño strengthening since August may lift the final annual anomaly, so the complete report is due in March 2027.