Many scientists expect the opposite, cooler phase, La Niña, to develop soon. This should, in theory, lead to a temporary drop in global temperatures next year, although exactly how this will play out is uncertain.

“We will be watching with interest what happens up to 2025 and beyond,” says Ed Hawkins, professor of climate science at the University of Reading.

But with levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere still rising rapidly, scientists warn it is likely only a matter of time before new records are set.

“Warmer temperatures (make) storms more intense, heat waves hotter and heavy rainfall more extreme, with clearly visible consequences for people around the world,” says Professor Hawkins.

“Stabilizing global temperatures by achieving net zero emissions is the only way to stop the rising costs of these disasters.”