The Met Office outlook report for 2026 has concluded that the central estimated average temperature is expected to be 1.46 °C, which would make it the fourth year in succession to exceed the pre-industrial increase threshold of 1.4 °C.
The current warmest year on record was 2024, with an average temperature of 1.55 °C above the pre-industrial average (1850-1900). These observations of global average temperature records extend back to 1850, with 2023 being the first year recorded to exceed 1.3 °C in global average temperatures. 2024 saw the first temporary exceedance of 1.5 °C, and the forecast for 2026 suggests that this could be possible again; highlighting how rapidly temperatures are approaching the 1.5 °C Paris Agreement target.
The scientific community has warned that the exceedance of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels severely increases the risks of major climate change impacts and extreme weather events, as well as limiting opportunities for adaptation and mitigation.
The World Meteorological Organisation concluded in their 2025 State of the Global Climate report that the current global warming level is 1.37 °C above the average of the 1850-1900 pre-industrial period; a figure calculated using a combination of observations from the last ten years and projections for the next ten years (2015-2034).
This rising trend of global average temperatures means that a transition towards a sustainable and renewable future is critical, and CWP Energy are proud to be a part of moving towards the goals set out by national policies and global targets for climate security.
Source: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2025/2026-outlook-likely-another-year-above-1.4c
