WMO in the spotlight as global heat, El Niño shifts spike climate risk—UN science arm pushing worst-case warnings. Founded 1950 as World Weather**
Official hydrological outlook warns of below-normal river flows in central and southern England for the coming weeks, with rainfall in April 23% below average. Groundwater and reservoir levels are under pressure in the South and East, though some storage remains stable. Farmers warn on future supply; a Fens Reservoir is planned for the 2030s.
The UN's latest climate report confirms 2025 was among the hottest years on record, with global temperatures 1.43°C above pre-industrial levels. The Earth's energy imbalance hit a 65-year high, with oceans absorbing most excess heat, accelerating ice melt, sea level rise, and extreme weather events. The report warns of long-term impacts and urgent need for action.
The UN's annual climate report confirms that 2015-2025 were the hottest years on record, with 2025 ranking as the second or third warmest. Greenhouse gases and ocean heat are at historic highs, causing rapid ice melt, extreme weather, and rising sea levels. The report warns of long-term impacts.
Experts are monitoring a high likelihood of a strong El Niño developing this summer, which could lead to record global temperatures in 2027. The phenomenon may cause extreme weather events worldwide, including droughts and heavy rainfall, with a 62% chance of a super El Niño persisting into the end of the year.
A European study has quantified how inequality increases temperature-related deaths. If Europe’s regions reached the lowest level of material deprivation, heat and cold-related mortality could fall by up to 30%, a major policy argument for targeted relief and poverty reduction.
The World Meteorological Organization and European agencies have released their 2025 State of the Climate findings saying at least 95% of Europe has recorded above-average annual temperatures, marine heatwaves and more than 1 million hectares burned by wildfires; glaciers and snow cover have lost mass and the Greenland ice sheet has contributed to sea level rise.
Fires have burned record extents this year, El Niño is strengthening global heat and drought patterns, and inequality is linked to higher temperature-related deaths in Europe, with warnings of worsening extremes in coming months.