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January 2026 Ranks as 5th Warmest Globally Amid Stark Climate Extremes

January 2026 was the fifth-warmest January on record globally, with an average temperature of 12.95°C. The Northern Hemisphere experienced severe cold, contributing to Europe's coldest January since 2010, while the Southern Hemisphere saw record-breaking heat worsening wildfires. Sea surface temperatures remained exceptionally high, ranking fourth for January, and both polar regions saw below-average sea ice extent. These contrasting extremes highlight the complex and escalating risks driven by a changing climate.

Key Points: January 2025 Fifth Warmest on Record, EU Climate Monitor Reports

  • Fifth-warmest January globally
  • Severe cold waves hit Europe and North America
  • Record heat fueled wildfires in Australia and Patagonia
  • Sea surface temperatures fourth-highest for January
  • Arctic and Antarctic sea ice extent below average
2 min read

January 2026 -- 5th warmest on record: EU climate monitor

January 2026 was the fifth-warmest globally, featuring severe cold in the Northern Hemisphere and record heat in the Southern Hemisphere.

"January 2026 delivered a stark reminder that the climate system can sometimes simultaneously deliver very cold weather in one region, and extreme heat in another. - Samantha Burgess"

Brussels, Feb 10

January 2026 was the fifth-warmest on record globally, with contrasting temperature extremes seen in both hemispheres, the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service reported on Tuesday.

The global average temperature in January 2026 stood at 12.95 degrees Celsius, 0.28 degrees Celsius cooler than the record-warm January 2025, ranking as the fifth-warmest January worldwide, the report said.

The Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere experienced different extremes in January, according to the report. Severe cold waves hit the Northern Hemisphere, notably Europe and North America, contributing to Europe's coldest January since 2010, with an average temperature of minus 2.34 degrees Celsius.

In the Southern Hemisphere, record-breaking heat fueled worsening wildfires across Australia and Patagonia, while late-month heavy rains in Southern Africa triggered severe flooding.

"January 2026 delivered a stark reminder that the climate system can sometimes simultaneously deliver very cold weather in one region, and extreme heat in another," said Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

She added that while human activities continue to drive long-term warming, these recent events underscore the need to strengthen resilience and accelerate adaptation to escalating extremes to better prepare society for heightened climate risks ahead.

The average sea surface temperature for January 2026 between 60 degrees south latitude and 60 degrees north latitude reached 20.68 degrees Celsius, the fourth-highest for January on record, 0.29 degrees Celsius below the January 2024 record.

According to the report, Arctic sea ice extent in January was 6 per cent below average, the third lowest on record for the month, while Antarctic sea ice extent was 8 per cent below average, Xinhua news agency reported.

A wave of extreme weather has swept across Europe in recent weeks, as powerful Atlantic storms battered southern countries with flooding, while Arctic cold gripped parts of central and northern Europe, leaving dozens dead, thousands displaced and causing widespread disruption.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The contrast is shocking! Cold waves in Europe and heatwaves in Australia. It feels like the planet's climate system is completely out of balance. We really need to strengthen our own disaster management in India for floods and heat.
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Aman W
While the data is concerning, I think we also need to focus on practical adaptation. Blaming is easy. What are we doing at the individual level? Reducing waste, using public transport, supporting sustainable brands? Change starts at home. 🌱
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Sarah B
The part about sea surface temperatures being the 4th highest is very alarming. This directly affects monsoon patterns. Our farmers are already struggling with unpredictable rains. This needs urgent global cooperation, not just political statements.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I feel the article focuses too much on the West. What about the data for Asia and the Indian subcontinent? We are a huge population facing these extremes. I wish reports gave more regional breakdowns relevant to us.
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Nisha Z
It's the 5th warmest on record, but still cooler than last year's record? That's a small relief, but the overall trend is clear. We can't ignore it. Time to seriously invest in green energy and protect our forests.

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