January 2025 Sets Record as Warmest January Amidst La Niña Transition

January 2025 marked the world's warmest January on record, exceeding temperatures from January 2024 despite a transition to the cooler La Niña pattern.

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January 2025 was hottest January on record despite factors thought to make that less likely

CBS News

Hottest January on record mystifies climate scientists

The Guardian

Last month was the world’s hottest January on record, E.U. scientists say

NBC News

Climate puzzle persists with unexpectedly warm January

BBC News

The US is freezing and La Nina usually eases warming. Earth just set another heat record anyway

Associated Press

The US Is Freezing and La Nina Usually Eases Warming. Earth Just Set Another Heat Record Anyway

Newsmax

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

January 2025 was the warmest on record, at 1.75°C above pre-industrial levels, breaking January 2024's record by 0.09°C. This continues an alarming trend: 18 of the last 19 months experienced temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The transition to La Niña, typically associated with cooler temperatures, has not fully emerged, leaving global temperatures unexpectedly high. Scientists note that burning fossil fuels remain the primary driver of this warming trend. Arctic sea ice also hit a record low this January, raising further concerns about climate change impacts.

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