The new year has started with an unprecedented climate milestone. January 2025 is officially the warmest January on record, surprising scientists who had expected a cooling effect due to La Niña.
Instead, global temperatures have continued to rise, signaling the persistent impact of climate change.
According to Wirtualna Polska, climate experts observed that the first three weeks of January were particularly warm, challenging earlier projections.
Zeke Hausfather, a climatologist, noted that even without the warming influence of El Niño, January 2025 exceeded last year’s temperatures.
"Global temperatures in recent months have been at or above levels observed during any previous El Niño event in history," Hausfather explained.
Extreme Weather Patterns
Despite high global temperatures, certain regions experienced short-term cold snaps.
On January 20-21, parts of Canada and the U.S. recorded unusually low temperatures.
However, other areas, including Alaska, experienced extreme warmth during the same period, further confirming broader global warming trends.
Polish climate experts noted that Poland also experienced record-breaking warmth.
The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management reported that January temperatures averaged 3.4°C above the 1991-2020 baseline.
For 12 consecutive days, the national average exceeded 2°C, with temperatures peaking at 16.1°C in Przemyśl.
This abnormal warmth disrupted plant dormancy cycles, leading to early signs of vegetation in some regions.
Climate vs. Weather
Understanding the difference between climate and weather is essential in analyzing these patterns.
While weather refers to short-term atmospheric events, climate reflects long-term trends and averages. The consistent breaking of monthly temperature records underscores the ongoing impact of global climate change, despite localized weather anomalies.
Outlook for the Year
Weather models predict a temporary cooling trend for the Northern Hemisphere in the coming weeks, reducing the likelihood of another record-breaking month in February.
However, experts caution that January’s warmth may be an early indicator of elevated temperatures throughout 2025, emphasizing the need for continued climate monitoring and adaptation efforts.
