Is January 2026 the 5th Warmest Month on Record?
Synopsis
January 2026 recorded extreme weather patterns, being the fifth warmest month ever while displaying significant temperature variations across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Discover how climate extremes are affecting our planet and what it means for our future.
Key Takeaways
January 2026 was the fifth warmest month globally.
Different temperature extremes were experienced in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Severe cold in Europe led to the coldest January since 2010.
Record heat in Australia and Patagonia resulted in worsening wildfires.
Sea surface temperatures were among the highest recorded for January.
Brussels, Feb 10 (NationPress) January 2026 marked the fifth-warmest month in global history, characterized by stark temperature disparities across the two hemispheres, as reported by the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) on Tuesday.
The global average temperature for January 2026 was recorded at 12.95 degrees Celsius, which is 0.28 degrees Celsius cooler than the record-setting January 2025, making it the fifth warmest January globally, according to the report.
The report indicates that the Northern and Southern Hemispheres faced contrasting weather extremes in January. Severe cold waves affected the Northern Hemisphere, particularly Europe and North America, contributing to Europe’s coldest January since 2010, with an average temperature of -2.34 degrees Celsius.
Conversely, the Southern Hemisphere experienced unprecedented heat, exacerbating wildfires in Australia and Patagonia, while heavy rains at the end of the month led to severe flooding in Southern Africa.
"January 2026 served as a powerful reminder of how the climate system can produce extreme cold in one area and intense heat in another," stated Samantha Burgess, the strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.
She emphasized that while human activities are a driving force behind long-term warming, these recent occurrences highlight the necessity for enhancing resilience and hastening adaptation to increasing extremes to prepare society for future climate risks.
The average sea surface temperature for January 2026, from 60 degrees south latitude to 60 degrees north latitude, reached 20.68 degrees Celsius, the fourth-highest January average on record, 0.29 degrees Celsius below the January 2024 record.
The report also noted that Arctic sea ice extent in January was 6 percent below average, marking the third-lowest extent for the month, while Antarctic sea ice extent was 8 percent below average, according to Xinhua news agency.
A series of extreme weather events have recently impacted Europe, as fierce Atlantic storms caused flooding in southern regions, while Arctic cold weather gripped parts of central and northern Europe, resulting in numerous fatalities, displacements, and widespread disruptions.
Point of View
I acknowledge the deepening impacts of climate change highlighted by January 2026’s extreme weather conditions. The juxtaposition of severe cold and intense heat underscores the urgency of addressing climate resilience and adaptation strategies. It is imperative that we prioritize discussions around climate action to safeguard our future.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the global average temperature for January 2026?
The global average temperature for January 2026 was 12.95 degrees Celsius .
Which regions experienced severe cold in January 2026?
The Northern Hemisphere, particularly Europe and North America, faced severe cold waves.
What extreme weather occurred in the Southern Hemisphere?
Record-breaking heat fueled wildfires in Australia and Patagonia, along with severe flooding in Southern Africa due to heavy rains.
How does January 2026 compare with previous years in terms of sea temperatures?
The average sea surface temperature for January 2026 was 20.68 degrees Celsius , the fourth-highest recorded for January.
What is the significance of the Arctic and Antarctic sea ice extent in January 2026?
The Arctic sea ice extent was 6 percent below average and the Antarctic sea ice extent was 8 percent below average , indicating concerning trends in ice loss.
