January 2025 has been declared the hottest on record despite the emergence of a cooling La Nina weather pattern, according to scientists from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). The month saw temperatures rise by 0.79C above the 1991-2020 global average, and a staggering 1.75C above pre-industrial levels. This marks the 18th month out of the last 19 where global air surface temperatures have exceeded 1.5C compared to pre-industrial times. Even with the La Nina pattern in play, which usually results in temporary global cooling, January 2025 managed to break records.
The data was collected from billions of measurements sourced from satellites, ships, aircraft, and weather stations worldwide. The analysis also revealed that the 12-month span from February 2024 to January 2025 was 1.61C higher than the estimated levels from 1850-1900, commonly used to represent the pre-industrial era. This remarkable heatwave has persisted despite the Pacific Ocean’s La Nina pattern, which typically leads to lower global temperatures. Sea surface temperatures outside the polar regions averaged 20.78C, making it the second warmest January recorded.
While central Pacific temperatures were below average, the eastern Pacific showed near or above-average readings. This phenomenon suggests a possible slowdown or pause in the La Nina conditions’ progression. Additionally, many other oceans and seas displayed unusually high sea surface temperatures during this period. Across Europe, the average temperature over land hit 1.8C, surpassing the 1991-2020 average by 2.51C for January. Southern and eastern parts of Europe experienced the most significant temperature increases, while the UK, Ireland, Iceland, northern France, and northern Scandinavia saw below-average temperatures.
Samantha Burgess, the strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, highlighted the unexpected warmth observed in January 2025. Despite the La Nina’s cooling influence on global temperatures, record-breaking heat has persisted over the past two years. Copernicus plans to maintain a close watch on ocean temperatures and their impact on our evolving climate throughout 2025. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing climate crisis and the urgent need for collective action to address it.
As the world grapples with these unprecedented temperature spikes, the need for sustainable practices and policies to mitigate climate change becomes increasingly urgent. The alarming trend of rising global temperatures underscores the critical importance of swift and decisive measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions and protect our planet for future generations. Scientists and experts worldwide continue to warn about the dire consequences of inaction, urging governments, businesses, and individuals to take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.