Global temperatures likely to hit record high by 2027, UN warns
United Nations warns global average temperatures will likely continue at or near record levels for the next five years, with a new hottest year 'likely' before 2031. There's a 75% chance the 2026-2030 five-year mean will surpass the critical 1.5C threshold above pre-industrial levels.
The World Meteorological Organization predicts an 86% chance that one year between 2026-2030 will surpass 2024 as the warmest year on record. An El Nino predicted for late 2026 could make 2027 particularly hot, following a pattern where El Nino events contributed to record-breaking temperatures in recent years.
While there's less than 1% chance any single year will exceed 2C above pre-industrial baseline in the next five years, the 1.5C barrier is expected be broken with increasing frequency. Arctic temperatures over the next five northern hemisphere winters are predicted to be 2.8C above average—more than triple the global temperature anomaly.
For Nigeria, this means more extreme weather events, potential impacts on agriculture, and increased strain on energy resources as cooling demand rises. The global community's failure to limit warming could have disproportionate effects on developing nations.