The long-term rise in global temperatures, the dominant cause of which is the anthropogenic emission of greenhouse gases, combined with the effects of a developing El Niño, have resulted in unusual global warmth in 2015.

The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached yet another new record high in 2014, continuing a relentless rise which is fuelling climate change and will make the planet more dangerous and inhospitable for future generations.

Global mean temperatures near the Earth’s surface continued to set new records between 2011 and 2015, consistent with rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, according to preliminary findings of the assessment of the state of the climate in the current 5 years period.

WMO has published the first issue in the 2015 series of the Antarctic Ozone Bulletin, with information on the state of the ozone layer in Antarctica and surrounding areas.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have issued new joint guidance on Heat–Health Warning Systems to address the health risks posed by heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent and more intense as a result of climate change.

This new WMO publication provides a consolidated road map for future weather research to foster the science needed to make society less vulnerable to high-impact weather.

WMO has confirmed continuation of warming trend over the past few decades, with 14 of the 15 hottest years on record occurring this century.

The World Meteorological Organization has issued a report on the Climate in Africa 2013, the first in what is intended to be an annual series. It examines temperatures, rainfall and extreme events on a continent which is especially vulnerable to natural climate variability and long-term climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions.

The year 2014 is on track to be one of the hottest, if not the hottest, on record, according to preliminary estimates by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This is largely due to record high global sea surface temperatures, which will very likely remain above normal until the end of the year.

Weather and Climate – Understanding Risks and Preparing for variability and extremes” is the theme of WMO’s latest Bulletin. Articles include:

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