Scientists warn 2027 could be even hotter as the event peaks in December.
The chance of 2026 overtaking 2024 as the hottest year on record has risen to 96 per cent, according to Berkeley Earth, up from 12 per cent in January, as a powerful El Nino develops.
The US weather agency NOAA, however, expects 2026 to finish a close second to 2024. European data through September ranks the year as the second hottest so far.
The El Nino began in June and may peak in December, with ocean temperature readings matching levels seen only in 2015 and 1877. September was the second-warmest on record, at 1.65 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Fifty-three countries set national heat records this year. Scientists expect 2027 to be even warmer, because global temperatures lag behind El Nino.
