2025: Third Hottest Year on Record – Scientists Confirm
- Last year was the third-hottest on record, according to an analysis of temperature data released Wednesday by three self-reliant agencies.
- what makes this result extraordinary, scientists say, is that 2025 saw a cooling phase in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, or
- It's more evidence that "human-caused warming is now really overwhelming inter-annual natural variability" in weather, said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist in the University of California's Agriculture and...
Last year was the third-hottest on record, according to an analysis of temperature data released Wednesday by three self-reliant agencies. That puts 2025 just behind the second-hottest year,2023,and the hottest,2024.
what makes this result extraordinary, scientists say, is that 2025 saw a cooling phase in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, or La Nina, that suppresses global temperatures. In other words: Heat from greenhouse gases countered that cooling influence enough that the year still landed among the very warmest.
It’s more evidence that “human-caused warming is now really overwhelming inter-annual natural variability” in weather, said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist in the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources division.
The notable 2025 heat is in line with what manny scientists say is a recent speeding up of the pace of global warming. “The warming spike observed from 2023-2025 has been extreme, and suggests an acceleration,” wrote researchers with Berkeley Earth, a scientific nonprofit that maintains one of the temperature databases.
Several factors are likely contributing to the acceleration, they wrote, including declines in reflective low-hanging clouds and in sulfur pollution from shipping that has a cooling effect.
The EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service,the U.K. Met Office and Berkeley Earth found that 2025 was hotter than the 1850-1900 average by 1.47 degrees Celsius, 1.41 C and 1.44 C, respectively.
According to Copernicus, the three-year warming average is now for the first time above 1.5 C – the threshold that countries pledged not to breach in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The group estimates that the world might fully surpass the 1.5 C mark by mid-2029, 13 years sooner than was projected when countries signed the pact. (Exceeding the Paris limit itself doesn’t mark a step-change in worsening climate impacts; it’s more of a diplomatic target.)
Humans burning fossil fuels is the overwhelming cause of global warming and provides a long-term push on the planet’s temperature. Because worldwide emissions continue to rise, the past 11 years have all been among the 11 hottest, and the hottest 25 years have all occurred since 1998.
Severe Flooding Impacts Thailand and Malaysia
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Unprecedented rainfall in late November 2023 caused severe flooding in southern Thailand and northern Malaysia, displacing tens of thousands of peopel and resulting in at least dozens of fatalities. As of january 14, 2026, recovery efforts continue, and authorities are assessing the long-term economic impact.
Thailand: Songkhla Province Devastation
The flooding in Thailand primarily affected the southern province of Songkhla, notably the city of Hat Yai. Heavy monsoon rains overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to widespread inundation.
Detail: The flooding began on November 25, 2023, and rapidly worsened, submerging entire neighborhoods. The Thai Meteorological Department reported record rainfall amounts for the region during that period. Evacuation centers were established to house displaced residents, and the Thai military deployed personnel to assist with rescue and relief operations.
Example: Images from November 26, 2023, showed residents of Hat Yai looking out from their homes, surrounded by high floodwaters. Reuters reported that at least 34 provinces in Thailand were affected by the floods.
Malaysia: Perlis State Under Water
Northern Malaysia, specifically the state of Perlis, also experienced catastrophic flooding during the same period. The state capital, Kangar, was particularly hard hit.
Detail: The flooding in Perlis was attributed to unusually heavy rainfall combined with a monsoon surge. the Malaysian government declared a state of emergency in several affected areas, mobilizing resources for rescue and relief efforts. Infrastructure, including roads and bridges, sustained notable damage.
example: Aerial photographs taken on November 27, 2023, revealed homes in Kangar fully surrounded by water. The Guardian reported that over 60,000 people were displaced in malaysia due to the floods.
ongoing Recovery and Long-Term Impacts
As of January 14, 2026, both Thailand and malaysia are still in the process of recovering from the November 2023 floods. Authorities are focused on providing assistance to displaced populations, repairing damaged infrastructure, and implementing measures to mitigate the risk of future flooding.
Detail: The economic impact of the floods is significant, with significant losses in agriculture, tourism, and small businesses. The Thai government has allocated funds for disaster relief and reconstruction, while the Malaysian government is working with international organizations to secure additional assistance. Experts are calling for improved flood management strategies, including investments in drainage infrastructure and early warning systems.
Example: The National Disaster Management Agency of Malaysia (NDMA) continues to provide updates on the recovery efforts and the status of displaced persons. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) of Thailand is coordinating the national response and assessing the damage.