• May 2025 was the second-warmest month recorded globally, averaging 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Northwestern Europe experienced an exceptionally dry spring, recording the lowest precipitation since 1979.
• Despite briefly dipping below 1.5°C, experts expect temperatures to rise again due to ongoing climate change.

The world experienced its second-warmest May on record in 2025, with average global surface temperatures noted at 1.4 degrees Celsius higher than the pre-industrial period (1850-1900), according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This marks a significant shift after 21 of the last 22 months had temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, escalating concerns about climate change, as noted by C3S director Carlo Buontempo. He emphasized that "this may offer a brief respite for the planet," but warned that the 1.5°C threshold would likely be exceeded again soon due to the ongoing warming of the climate system, as reported by Al Jazeera, The Jakarta Post, and India Times.

The situation in Europe is particularly dire, as reports indicate that northwestern Europe faced its driest spring on record, with some regions experiencing the lowest levels of precipitation and soil moisture since 1979. This drought-like condition has led to the lowest river flow levels across Europe since 1992, aggravating water shortages that could persist until significant rainfall arrives, according to scientists. These drought conditions are exacerbated by the results of climate change that have seen record heat in areas like Greenland, highlighting the widespread impact of rising temperatures, as detailed by The Jakarta Post and India Times.

The alarming data arrives against the backdrop of ongoing global emissions concerns, primarily driven by the continued reliance on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which are fundamental contributors to rising temperatures. In light of these conditions, the world community's commitments under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement remain critically important. Nations pledged to restrain global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius and ideally under 1.5 degrees, yet many experts now emphasize the urgent need for faster cuts in CO2 emissions to mitigate extreme weather events and prevent further escalation of climate impacts, as highlighted in reports from Al Jazeera, The Jakarta Post, and India Times.