What's happened
2025 was the UK's warmest year on record, with a mean temperature of 10.09°C, driven by climate change. The year saw unprecedented heatwaves, sunshine, and wildfires, with over 27,000 wildfires across the UK amid prolonged drought and dry conditions. Extreme weather events also affected Israel, with unusually high temperatures recorded in January.
What's behind the headline?
The year 2025 exemplifies the accelerating impact of climate change on regional weather patterns. The UK's record mean temperature of 10.09°C, surpassing previous years, confirms the rapid warming trend. The combination of persistent high-pressure systems and above-average sea temperatures has sustained prolonged heatwaves, which in turn have increased wildfire risks. The surge in wildfires, with over 27,000 incidents in England alone, strains firefighting resources and highlights the growing threat to natural landscapes and communities. The Israeli temperature spike in January, reaching 29°C in Kibbutz Ein Hahoresh, marks a historic anomaly, indicating that such extreme warmth can occur outside typical summer months. These events underscore the urgency of addressing climate change, as the frequency and severity of such weather phenomena will likely intensify. Governments and communities must prioritize resilience and mitigation strategies to adapt to this new climate reality, which is now firmly embedded in the global climate cycle.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Israel experienced its highest January temperatures since records began, with Kibbutz Ein Hahoresh reaching 29°C. The Guardian highlights that 2025 was the UK's warmest year on record, with the Met Office confirming a mean temperature of 10.09°C, driven by persistent high-pressure systems and climate change. BBC News and Reuters detail the UK's extreme weather, including four heatwaves, record sunshine hours, and over 27,000 wildfires, the highest spring and summer totals in recent years. These sources collectively illustrate a pattern of escalating climate extremes, driven by global warming, with localized impacts in Israel and the UK.
How we got here
The record-breaking temperatures and wildfires in 2025 are the result of persistent high-pressure systems and climate change. The UK experienced its warmest year since records began in 1884, with multiple heatwaves and drought conditions leading to a surge in wildfires. Israel also recorded its highest temperatures in decades, with a notable warm spell in January. These events are part of a broader global trend of rising temperatures and extreme weather linked to human-induced climate change.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Caused the Record Wildfires in the UK in 2025?
In 2025, the UK faced its most severe wildfire season on record, driven by unprecedented heatwaves and prolonged dry spells. Many wonder what exactly triggered these wildfires and how climate factors played a role. Below, we explore the causes, the impact on fire services, and what regions were most affected during this extreme year.
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What’s next for global conflicts and crises in early 2026?
As we step into 2026, the world faces a complex landscape of conflicts, geopolitical risks, and ongoing crises. From misinformation campaigns to regional tensions, understanding what’s on the horizon can help us stay informed and prepared. Below, we explore the key questions about the current state of global conflicts and what to watch for in the coming months.
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Why Was 2025 the Hottest Year on Record?
2025 has been marked as one of the hottest years in recent history, with record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events. But what caused this unprecedented heat? Understanding the main factors behind this climate milestone can help us grasp the urgency of climate change and what it means for the future. Below, we explore the reasons behind 2025's record heat and what it signals for upcoming years.
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How is climate change impacting the UK and Israel in 2025?
2025 has been a year of record-breaking heat and wildfires in the UK and Israel, driven by climate change. People are asking why these extreme weather events are happening now and what can be done to prevent them. Below, we explore the key questions about this alarming trend and what it means for the future of these regions.
More on these topics
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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The Meteorological Office, abbreviated as the Met Office is the United Kingdom's national weather service. It is an executive agency and trading fund of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy led by CEO Penelope Endersby, who took on
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England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest of England and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. England is separated from continental Europe by