Asia’s Climate Crisis: Heat, Floods, and Droughts in 2024

Asia is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, driving more extreme weather events and causing serious harm to the region’s people, economies, and natural systems, according to a new report by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). The State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report, released Monday, paints a stark picture of rising temperatures, record-breaking marine heatwaves, melting glaciers, and devastating climate-related disasters.

According to the report, the year 2024 was either the warmest or second warmest on record in Asia, depending on the dataset. The average temperature was about 1.04°C above the 1991–2020 baseline. The pace of warming between 1991 and 2024 was nearly double the rate recorded between 1961 and 1990. The report highlights that this accelerated warming trend is particularly severe over land, which heats faster than ocean surfaces. Asia, with the largest land mass stretching to the Arctic, is especially vulnerable to this effect.

“Extreme weather is already exacting an unacceptably high toll,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. “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.”

Asia Scorched By Record Heat

Heatwaves affected large parts of Asia throughout 2024, particularly in East Asia, where high temperatures persisted from April to November. Multiple countries recorded all-time monthly highs. Japan broke temperature records in April, July, and October. The Republic of Korea set new monthly records in April, June, August, and September. China recorded new highs in April, May, August, September, and November. Other regions, including Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia, also experienced extreme heat. Myanmar hit a new national record of 48.2°C.

The ocean surrounding Asia also experienced record heat. According to the WMO, average sea surface temperatures across Asia’s ocean areas rose by 0.24°C per decade—nearly double the global average of 0.13°C. In 2024, almost the entire oceanic area of WMO’s Region II was affected by marine heatwaves of strong to extreme intensity. During August and September, nearly 15 million square kilometers—roughly one-tenth of the Earth’s ocean surface—were impacted. This area is about the same size as the Russian Federation and more than 1.5 times the size of China.

The northern Indian Ocean and waters surrounding Japan, the Yellow Sea, and the East China Sea were especially affected by marine heatwaves. These events disrupt marine ecosystems, reduce fish stocks, and damage coral reefs. Sea levels in the Indian and Pacific Oceans bordering Asia also rose faster than the global average during the period from 1993 to 2024, increasing the threat to low-lying coastal communities.

Glaciers Melting Faster Than Ever

The cryosphere, the frozen parts of the Earth, also took a major hit in 2024. Glaciers across the High-Mountain Asia region, which includes parts of the Himalayas and Tian Shan ranges, continued to lose mass. Of the 24 glaciers monitored, 23 experienced mass loss. Reduced winter snowfall and extreme summer heat worsened the melt, especially in the central Himalayas and eastern Tian Shan. Urumqi Glacier No.1, located in the Tian Shan mountains, recorded its most negative mass balance since observations began in 1959.

“These glacier losses are not just numbers,” Saulo said. “They translate into real-world consequences—higher risks of glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and long-term water insecurity for millions.”

Asia Hit by Deadly Disasters

The report also documents a range of deadly and costly extreme weather events. Tropical Cyclone Yagi, the strongest storm of 2024, caused damage and casualties across Vietnam, the Philippines, Lao PDR, Thailand, Myanmar, and China. In Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan and southern Russia, severe snowmelt and record-breaking rainfall triggered the worst flooding in 70 years. More than 118,000 people had to be evacuated.

West Asia was also hit hard. In the United Arab Emirates, 259.5 mm of rain fell in just 24 hours in one of the most intense precipitation events since records began in 1949. In Kerala, India, extreme rainfall in July led to major landslides, killing more than 350 people. Rainfall exceeded 500 mm in just 48 hours.

Nepal faced record-breaking rainfall in late September. Severe floods killed at least 246 people and caused damages exceeding 12.85 billion Nepalese rupees—about US$94 million. But the report also highlights a success story: early warning systems and anticipatory action reached over 130,000 people in Nepal ahead of the disaster, helping to reduce health risks and save lives.

China experienced a different kind of crisis—drought. Nearly 4.8 million people were affected, and 335,200 hectares of crops were damaged. The estimated direct economic losses exceeded 2.89 billion Chinese yuan, or over US$400 million.

“The role of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and their partners is more important than ever,” Saulo emphasised. “These services are critical to providing early warnings and building resilience.”

The WMO says the State of the Climate in Asia report offers science-based insights to help countries make informed decisions and prepare for growing climate threats. The data clearly shows that the climate crisis is no longer a distant concern—its effects are already reshaping Asia’s weather, landscapes, and lives.

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