WMO's series on the key climate events of 2014 and an in-depth analysis of regional trends.

This 2014 series is part of a WMO drive to provide more information at regional and national levels to support adaptation to climate variability and change. This Statement draws on data provided by leading global and regional climate centres and research institutes as well as National Meteorological and Hydrological Services. 

The Statement  reports that global-average sea-surface temperatures for 2014 were warmer than for any previous year on record. WMO discusses the need to maintain and even strengthen ocean observing systems in order to better understand sea-temperature trends and their implications for long-term climate change.

It also highlights extremes that occurred in 2014 at the national and regional levels. Europe, for example, was unusually warm, with 19 countries reporting record temperatures for the year. Severe flooding and flash floods occurred in many countries, particularly in the Balkans, South Asia, and parts of Africa and South and Central America.