In March 2025, Europe experienced its warmest March since records began, with the global average temperature reaching 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels. This marks the 20th time in the past 21 months that global temperatures have exceeded the 1.5°C threshold, underscoring the accelerating impact of climate change.

The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported that March 2025 was the second-warmest March globally, surpassed only by March 2024. Samantha Burgess, strategic lead at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, which operates C3S, highlighted the severity of the situation:

"Europe also experienced extremes in both heavy rain and drought. Many areas experienced their driest March on record and others their wettest March on record for at least the past ... ."

The primary driver of these unprecedented temperatures is the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil ... . The scientific consensus indicates that such emissions are intensifying both droughts and heavy rainfall due to increased evaporation and the atmosphere's enhanced moisture capacity.

In addition to rising temperatures, Arctic sea ice reached its lowest extent for any March in 47 years of satellite observation. The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) reported that the Arctic sea ice extent peaked at 5.53 million square miles, approximately 30,000 square miles smaller than the previous record low in 2017. This decline is attributed to rising temperatures driven by climate change, with the Arctic warming four times faster than the rest of the world. The reduction in sea ice affects global weather patterns by altering pressure and temperature differences, weakening the jet stream, and influencing storm behavior. It also impacts wildlife, particularly polar bears, which rely on sea ice to hunt.

The trend of rising temperatures is not isolated to March 2025. The previous year, 2024, was the hottest year on record globally. The consistent exceedance of the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels underscores the ongoing impact of climate change.

The record-breaking temperatures and associated weather extremes have profound implications for society. Increased instances of drought can threaten water supplies and agriculture, while heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, damaging infrastructure and displacing communities. The decline in Arctic sea ice also has geopolitical implications, affecting shipping routes and resource exploration.

These developments highlight the urgent need for comprehensive climate action to mitigate the accelerating impacts of climate change.