The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report says that 2024 was the warmest or second warmest year on record (depending on the dataset), with widespread and prolonged heatwaves. The warming trend between 1991–2024 was almost double that during the 1961–1990 period, according to the press release.
In 2024, heatwaves gripped a record area of the ocean. Sea surface temperatures were the highest on record, with Asia’s sea surface decadal warming rate nearly double the global average.
A record portion of the ocean was affected by heatwaves in 2024, with sea surface temperatures reaching the highest levels ever recorded. Asia’s sea surface warming rate over the past decade was nearly twice the global average. The Indian and Pacific Ocean coasts experienced sea level rise exceeding the global mean, increasing the vulnerability of low-lying coastal areas.
Extreme summer heat and reduced winter snowfall have severely impacted glaciers in the central Himalayas and Tian Shan. Of 24 monitored glaciers, 23 suffered mass loss during 2023–2024. This has raised the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and long-term threats to water security in the region. Urumqi Glacier No. 1 in eastern Tian Shan recorded its most negative mass balance since monitoring began in 1959.
Asia’s average temperature in 2024 was 1.04°C above the 1991–2020 average. The continent, home to the largest landmass extending into the Arctic, is warming more than twice as fast as the global average due to greater land-based temperature increases. Extreme heat gripped East Asia from April to November, breaking monthly records in Japan, South Korea, and China. Myanmar set a new national temperature record of 48.2°C.
Tropical Cyclone Yagi, the year’s strongest storm, caused widespread destruction across several countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and China.
Central Asia experienced its worst flooding in 70 years, driven by heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt. Kazakhstan and southern Russia saw over 118,000 people evacuated. The UAE recorded 259.5 mm of rain in 24 hours, one of the most extreme rainfall events since 1949.
India’s Kerala state experienced deadly landslides on July 30, triggered by over 500 mm of rainfall in 48 hours, resulting in more than 350 fatalities. Nepal saw record rainfall in late September, causing floods that killed at least 246 people and led to damages exceeding NPR 12.85 billion (US$ 94 million). Proactive early warning systems provided life-saving support to over 130,000 people.
In contrast, drought in China impacted 4.8 million people, damaged over 335,000 hectares of crops, and caused economic losses exceeding CNY 2.89 billion (more than US$ 400 million).
“The State of the Climate in Asia report highlights the changes in key climate indicators such as surface temperature, glacier mass and sea level, which will have major repercussions for societies, economies and ecosystems in the region. Extreme weather is already exacting an unacceptably high toll,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
She emphasized the crucial role of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and their partners in delivering timely early warnings and preparedness efforts.
The report also includes a case study from Nepal, demonstrating how strengthened early warning systems and anticipatory action help communities respond effectively to climate variability and protect lives and livelihoods.
As one of WMO’s flagship publications, the State of the Climate report provides policy-relevant data for informed decision-making at national and regional levels.
