2026 Poised to Become Hottest Year on Record, Scientists Warn

So far 2026 is only the third-hottest year on record, behind 2024 and 2025, but a strengthening super El Nino and record ocean heat could push it to the top by year's end. Scientists are divided on whether it will surpass 2024, but many agree 2027 is nearly certain to be even hotter. Global oceans have been record-hot since June, with 82% experiencing marine heat waves.