Surge of record global temperatures expected in next five years

A child plays in a fountain to cool off in downtown Portland, Oregon, May 12, 2023. [VOA]

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns global temperatures are likely to surge to record levels in the next five years, with temperatures reaching more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for at least one year.

"We estimate that in the coming five years, we will hit 1.15C on a temporary basis, but in the coming 15 to 20 years, we estimate that might be the more permanent feature of climate," said Petteri Taalas, WMO secretary-general.