'2015, 2016 to become hottest on record'

Possible big changes in key global climate system suggest that global temperatures in 2015 and 2016 are set to reach record high levels, according to new research published on Monday by the Met Office, Britain's official weather agency.

The latest research suggests the Earth's average surface temperature is running at or near record levels so far in 2015 and the trend is not slowing down. Last year's temperature has already broken the record for the hottest year, Xinhua news agency reported.

Researchers say shifts in key global climate patterns, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, an El Nino in the tropical Pacific and the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation are underway.

"With the potential that next year could be similarly warm, it' s clear that our climate continues to change," said Prof. Stephen Belcher, head of the Met Office Hadley Centre.

"We can't be sure this is the end of the slowdown but decadal warming rates are likely to reach late 20th century levels within two years," he added.