The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has reported that January 2026 was the fifth warmest January in recorded history, with an average surface air temperature of 12.95°C, which is 0.51°C higher than the average for January from 1991 to 2020. This anomaly in temperature occurs despite significant cold weather affecting large parts of the United States and Europe during the same month.

The report notes that January 2026 was only 0.28°C cooler than the hottest January ever recorded, which was in 2025, and 1.47°C warmer than the average temperatures of the pre-industrial era, defined as the period from 1850 to 1900. These figures underline the significant warming trends that continue to persist globally, as new temperature records are set annually.

Furthermore, the report highlights a critical aspect of the climate system: the simultaneous occurrence of cold weather in one region while other areas experience extreme warmth. This phenomenon serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and extremes associated with climate change, indicating that local weather patterns can diverge significantly from global trends.