2025 was hotter than it should have been – 5 influences and a dirty surprise offer clues to what’s ahead

Solar cycles, sea ice and rising electricity use all play a role. So does an unhealthy surprise that has been quietly hiding a large amount of global warming – until now.

By: Michael Wysession, Washington University in St. Louis, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 5, 2026

Words: 1,265

Last Updated: 4 days, 12 hours ago

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By Michael Wysession, Washington University in St. Louis

The past three years have been the world’s hottest on record by far, with 2025 almost tied with 2023 for second place. With that energy came extreme weather, from flash flooding to powerful hurricanes and severe droughts. Yet, by most indicators, the planet should have been cooler in 2025 than it was.

So, what happened, and what does that say about the year ahead?

As an

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