WMO Warns of Record-Breaking Heat Before 2030 as Global Temperatures Rise

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has warned that the world could witness even hotter years before the end of the decade, with global temperatures expected to continue breaking records as climate change intensifies.

In a new climate outlook released on Thursday, the United Nations weather agency projected a 75 per cent likelihood that the average global temperature between 2026 and 2030 would exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold set under the Paris Climate Agreement.

The report, prepared jointly with the UK Met Office, also stated that there is an 86 per cent chance that at least one year within the next five years would become hotter than 2024, currently regarded as the warmest year ever recorded globally.

According to the WMO, annual global temperatures during the period are expected to remain between 1.3°C and 1.9°C above pre-industrial levels recorded between 1850 and 1900.

The agency, however, noted that it remains highly unlikely for any single year before 2030 to exceed the 2°C warming mark.

Scientists linked the expected temperature increases to continued greenhouse gas emissions and the possible return of El Niño weather conditions, especially around 2027 and 2028.

El Niño, a naturally occurring climate pattern caused by unusually warm ocean temperatures in parts of the Pacific, often disrupts weather systems across different parts of the world and contributes to extreme climate events.

The WMO also raised concerns about accelerated warming in the Arctic region, where winter temperatures are projected to rise about 2.8°C above recent averages within the next five years.

The report further forecast wetter conditions across northern Europe and the Sahel region, while warning of drier conditions in the Amazon basin, developments that could worsen flooding, drought, heatwaves and ecological damage.

WMO Secretary-General, Celeste Saulo, said the findings underline the need for urgent global climate action and stronger preparedness measures against extreme weather conditions.

The warning comes as several European countries battle intense heatwaves, with unusually high temperatures recorded in recent days.

UN Climate Chief, Simon Stiell, said the heatwave spreading across Europe reflects the growing human and economic costs of climate change, adding that countries in Asia, including India, are also grappling with severe climate-related disruptions.

In Nigeria, the effects of climate change have become increasingly evident in recent years. Coastal communities along the Atlantic shoreline continue to suffer from rising sea levels and erosion, while many northern states face worsening desertification, irregular rainfall and prolonged heatwaves.

The country has also witnessed recurring floods that have displaced thousands of residents and destroyed homes, farmlands and infrastructure across several states.