May 2026 was the second warmest May in recorded history, trailing only 2024.
With 2024 being the warmest year so far, in recorded history, 2023, 2025 and 2026 are all clustered near it.
2026 will conclude as the 2nd, 3rd or 4th warmest year in history, battling 2023 and 2025.
El Niño is expected to arrive too late to propel 2026 to #1. But it might cause 2027 to get there.