98% chance of hottest year on record being broken in next five years 

There is a 66% chance of this temperature being recorded at least once between now and 2027 – which would mark the first time in human history. Picture: David Creedon / Anzenberger

The world is almost certain to experience new record temperatures in the next five years, and temperatures are likely to rise by more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, scientists have warned.

The breaching of the crucial 1.5C threshold, which scientists have warned could have dire consequences, should be only temporary, according to research from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).