8 December 2009: According to data sources compiled by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the year 2009 is likely to rank in the top 10 warmest on record since the beginning of instrumental climate records in 1850.
This year, above-normal temperatures were recorded in most parts of the continents, except for North America, which experienced conditions that were cooler than average. WMO also indicated that climate extremes were recorded in many parts of the world and were more frequent and intense in southern South America, Australia and southern Asia, in particular. In addition, the Arctic sea ice extent during the melt season ranked the third lowest, after the lowest and second-lowest records set in 2007 and 2008, respectively.

Final updates and figures for 2009 will be published in March 2010 in the annual WMO Statement on the Status of the Global Climate. [WMO Press Release]