The global temperature record was smashed last year, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Data released this week showed the annual average global temperature was 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels.

Officials say July and August were the two hottest months ever recorded on the planet, while global temperatures in every month between June and December set new monthly records.

“The shift from cooling La Niña to warming El Niño by the middle of 2023 is clearly reflected in the rise in temperature from last year,” said WMO Secretary-General Prof. Celeste Saulo.

“Given that El Niño usually has the biggest impact on global temperatures after it peaks, 2024 could be even hotter.”

Sea surface temperatures were exceptionally high for much of the year, according to the report.

In addition, Antarctic sea ice extent was the lowest on record, both for the end-of-summer minimum in February and the end-of-winter maximum in September.