January 2025: A Record-Breaking Hot Month
January 2025 was recorded as the hottest month, with global temperatures 1.75°C above pre-industrial levels. The surge continues a trend of elevated temperatures despite La Niña conditions. Regional temperatures varied, with notable increases in places like Europe and Canada, while sea surface temperatures and rainfall patterns also showed significant changes.
January 2025 has been recorded as the warmest month ever by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, showing a rise of 1.75 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and 0.79°C above the monthly average from 1991-2020, with an estimated surface air temperature of 13.23°C. This temperature increase occurs amidst La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific, which typically exert a cooling influence.
Over the previous 19 months, global average surface air temperature has consistently been above 1.5°C from pre-industrial benchmarks. Notably, the January 2025 temperature was measured at 1.61°C above the 1850-1900 average, underscoring the ongoing trend of elevated temperatures. Regions experiencing the most severe heat include southeast Europe, Canada, Alaska, and large portions of Africa, Australia, and Antarctica.
In contrast, areas with below-average temperatures include northern Europe, the United States, and parts of the Middle East and Southeast Asia. January 2025 also witnessed an average sea surface temperature of 20.78ºC, marking the second highest for the month, just 0.19°C less than January 2024. Additionally, the report notes increased precipitation with significant rainfall contributing to floods in various locales, particularly in Western Europe and parts of the Americas.
Copernicus employs satellite and other observational techniques for its climate monitoring, collaborating with various European organizations and nations. The program’s comprehensive data collection supports an understanding of global climate trends and emergencies.
This month’s unprecedented temperatures indicate a worrying continuation of climate change impacts, highlighting the urgency for global awareness and action to mitigate warming effects.
The discussion of January 2025’s record temperatures is set against the broader context of ongoing global climate change. The Copernicus Climate Change Service, as part of its monitoring efforts, tracks fluctuations in temperatures and other climatic conditions over time, providing essential data for understanding these trends and their implications. The emphasis on how La Niña conditions coincide with these records reflects the complexity of climate systems and their responses to various influences.
In summary, January 2025 marks a historical peak in global temperatures, with substantial deviations above pre-industrial levels being noted. Regions worldwide experience varied temperature changes, while average sea surface temperatures and precipitation patterns exhibit significant anomalies. The findings stress the continuing urgency for addressing climate challenges.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
