January 2025 Becomes Hottest January on Record Despite Cooling Effects of La Niña

Global temperatures exceeded preindustrial levels by 1.75°C, defying expectations for a slowdown in warming trends.

January 2025 recorded an average global temperature of 13.23°C, surpassing the previous record for the month and exceeding preindustrial levels by 1.75°C.
Scientists had anticipated a cooling effect from La Niña, a natural climate phenomenon, but its impact was weaker than expected, with signs suggesting it may dissipate by March.
Ocean surface temperatures remained near historic highs, with January 2025 ranking as the second-warmest January for oceans, following January 2024.
Arctic sea ice reached its smallest extent ever recorded for the month of January, highlighting continued warming in polar regions.
This marks the 18th out of the last 19 months where global temperatures exceeded the 1.5°C threshold above preindustrial levels, a symbolic target under the Paris Agreement.