Asia Warming at Twice the Global Rate, Warns WMO in New Climate Report

Asia is warming at nearly twice the global average, leading to more intense heatwaves, glacial melting, floods, cyclones, and droughts, according to the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report. The report, released in June 2025, calls attention to the widespread socio-economic and environmental impacts of climate change across the continent, making 2024 the warmest year on record in Asia.

Why in News?

The WMO’s 2024 climate report, published in June 2025, highlights unprecedented warming trends and extreme weather events in Asia. The findings underscore urgent climate challenges, with record-breaking temperatures, sea-level rise, glacial loss, and devastating storms and floods affecting millions. This report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and communities across Asia.

Key Findings

• Asia’s warming rate is nearly double the global average.
• 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded in Asia.
• Sea surface temperatures and marine heatwaves reached record highs.
• Sea levels rose faster than the global average, especially in the Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts.
• Extreme weather (heatwaves, floods, droughts, cyclones) caused significant loss of life and infrastructure.

Temperature and Heatwaves

• Every year from 2015–2024 was among the 10 warmest years ever.
• In Japan, 2024 matched the highest summer mean temperature on record.
• India suffered over 450 deaths from severe heatwaves in 2024.
• Thailand, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and parts of Russia recorded extreme temperatures, with new national records.

Sea-Level Rise and Glacial Loss

• Asia’s sea-level rise exceeded global average, threatening low-lying regions.
• 23 of 24 monitored glaciers in the Himalayas and Tian Shan lost mass.
• Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) increased, such as in Nepal’s Koshi region, displacing over 130 people.

Deadly Weather Events (2024 Highlights)

• UAE recorded its heaviest 24-hour rainfall since 1949 — 259.5 mm.
• Nepal floods (Sept 2024) caused 246 deaths; damage crossed NPR 12.85 billion.
• Kerala, India saw over 350 deaths in Wayanad due to extreme rainfall.
• China: drought affected 4.8 million people; crop loss and economic damage reported.
• Lightning strikes in India killed over 1,300 people, with 72 deaths on a single day (July 10).
• Sri Lanka floods (Dec 2024) affected 450,000 people and displaced over 5,000.

Cyclones

• Four cyclones formed in 2024
• Remal (Bay of Bengal): Wind speeds of 111 km/h, flooding up to 2.5m in Bangladesh and India.
• Asna (Arabian Sea): Only the third cyclone in the region since 1891.
• Dana and Fengal: Fengal made landfall in India after tracking past Sri Lanka, triggering fatalities and displacement.