Less than halfway through 2026, the world is already experiencing record-breaking heat as severe heatwaves sweep across multiple regions. Scientists say human-caused climate change, combined with powerful heat domes trapping hot air, is driving temperatures to dangerous new highs. A new report by the World Meteorological Organization warns there is a 91% chance that at least one year between 2026 and 2030 will exceed the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold set under the Paris Agreement.

Climate experts say extreme heat is becoming the “new norm,” with 2027 likely to be one of the hottest years on record due to a strengthening El Nino pattern. India has already recorded temperatures above 47 degrees Celsius in some regions, while Europe faces early heatwaves. Scientists warn that every fraction of additional warming increases the risks of droughts, wildfires, sea-level rise, and other extreme weather events worldwide.