Central Asia, the Sahel, and northern Europe just recorded their hottest year ever in 2025, according to a recent AFP analysis using data from the European Copernicus program.
Globally, this year is projected to be the third hottest on record, following 2024 and 2023. However, the average temperature data can hide extreme highs in specific regions. Many poorer countries don’t share detailed climate information. To fill in the gaps, AFP used data from climate models, satellite measurements, and weather stations worldwide, dating back to 1970.
The findings show that in 2025, over 120 monthly temperature records were set in more than 70 countries.
In Central Asia, every country experienced its hottest year. Tajikistan was particularly hard hit, with temperatures soaring more than 3°C above the seasonal averages from 1981 to 2010. This is alarming in a nation where only 41% of the population has safe drinking water. Since May, monthly records have been broken every month except November. Neighboring Kazakhstan, Iran, and Uzbekistan also reported temperatures 2°C to 3°C above normal.
In the Sahel region of West Africa, countries like Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Chad faced unusual temperature increases of 0.7°C to 1.5°C above their seasonal averages. Nigeria registered its hottest year yet, while other nations also recorded their warmest seasons in fourth place. A report from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) network highlighted that extreme heat events have become nearly ten times more common since 2015. The Sahel, known for its struggles with conflict and food insecurity, remains particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures.
In Europe, about ten countries approached or broke their temperature records. An especially hot summer pushed Switzerland and parts of the Balkans 2°C to 3°C over seasonal averages. Spain, Portugal, and Britain faced their hottest summers, leading to significant wildfires. A drought in the UK resulted in the driest spring in over a century, raising concerns about water shortages. While northern Europe avoided the June heatwave, it still experienced an unusually warm autumn, making this past year one of the hottest on record for Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.
Understanding these trends is vital. Climate change impacts not just temperatures but also water availability, food security, and our overall health. Addressing these pressing issues will require global cooperation and innovative solutions. For further insights on climate change, you can refer to the World Meteorological Organization for more information.
