February 2026 was recorded as the fifth warmest globally on the planet, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, which has highlighted the rising rate of climate change on the planet. The global average temperature for February was recorded at 13.26 degrees Celsius, much higher than average, and the country experienced unusual weather patterns, including heavy rainfall, storms, and flooding. Unusual sea temperatures and the melting of sea ice in the Arctic region were also cited as factors in the rising rate of global warming.

What Key Temperature Records Were Observed in February 2026?

• Global temperature anomaly: The average surface air temperature across the globe during February 2026 was 13.26°C, which is 0.53°C above the average surface air temperature during the 1991-2020 period.
• Temperature rise above pre-industrial levels: The average temperature during February 2026 was 1.49°C above pre-industrial temperatures, which refer to temperatures during the 1850-1900 period.
• Temperature records across Europe: While parts of Europe, such as the west, south, and southeast, saw temperatures above average, other parts, such as Fennoscandia, the Baltic states, and northwest Russia, saw temperatures below average.
• Ocean heat levels: The average sea surface temperature across the globe was 20.88°C, which is the second-highest February temperature on record.

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How Did Extreme Weather and Ocean Patterns Influence the Month?

• Atmospheric rivers and rainfall: Europe witnessed extreme levels of atmospheric rivers, which are bands of highly concentrated moisture in the atmosphere, causing extreme rainfall and flooding in Europe.
• Severe flooding in various regions: European countries like France, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco witnessed severe flooding due to extreme storms and rainfall.
• Global flood events: Extreme weather conditions were witnessed in Australia, Mozambique, and Botswana due to extreme rainfall caused by global climate change.
• Storm-favouring ocean gradient: There was a temperature gradient in the North Atlantic Ocean with cold water in the central North Atlantic and warmer water in the subtropical Atlantic Ocean. This may have contributed to stronger storms that moved towards Europe.

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What Does Arctic Sea Ice Data Reveal About the Climate Trend?

Diminished sea ice in the Labrador Sea, Baffin Bay, and the Sea of Okhotsk was countered by exceptionally high ice in the Greenland Sea at a 22-year high for the month of February. Estimated summer minimum levels were reached around February 22, 2026, placing them within the mid-range of the last 48 years of long-term average minima, thus demonstrating both short-term variability and the longer-term sea ice extent within our climate system.

As February 2026 was recorded as the fifth warmest globally, it is anticipated that extreme weather events (heat waves, flooding, and droughts), an increase in ocean temperatures, and instability and decrease in polar sea ice will occur.

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