Asia Warming Twice as Fast as Global Average Amid Extreme Weather Crisis

Asia is warming at a rate nearly double the global average, driving severe weather events, unprecedented ocean heatwaves, and widespread glacier loss across the continent, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

The findings come from the World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report, which tracks key climate indicators across the region. The assessment shows that the warming trend across Asia between 1991 and 2024 was almost double the rate recorded during the 1961 through 1990 period. In 2024, the continent’s average temperature reached about 1.04 degrees Celsius above the 1991 to 2020 baseline, making it either the warmest or second-warmest year on record depending on the dataset used. Because Asia’s massive landmass extends far into the Arctic, land temperatures have climbed faster than ocean temperatures, pushing the overall warming rate past twice the global average.

Intense Heatwaves and Broken Temperature Records

Prolonged extreme heat gripped multiple subregions throughout 2024. East Asia experienced extended heatwaves from April through November, while countries including Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China repeatedly broke monthly average temperature records. Myanmar established a new national peak when temperatures hit 48.2 degrees Celsius. Severe heat events also impacted Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, according to the World Meteorological Organization data.

Ocean areas surrounding the continent faced similar extremes. Average sea surface temperatures in the WMO Region II increased by 0.24 degrees Celsius per decade, doubling the global mean rate of 0.13 degrees Celsius per decade. Marine heatwaves of strong, severe, or extreme intensity affected most of the region’s ocean area, marking the largest extent since records began in 1993. During August and September, nearly 15 million square kilometers of ocean—about one-tenth of the Earth’s entire ocean surface—were impacted. Furthermore, sea-level rise along the Indian and Pacific Ocean coasts exceeded the global mean rate, increasing risks for low-lying coastal settlements.

Melting Glaciers and Flooding Disasters

The cryosphere experienced severe stress as reduced winter snowfall and extreme summer heat punished glaciers in High-Mountain Asia, known as the world’s Third Pole. According to the World Meteorological Organization, 23 out of 24 glaciers in the region suffered mass loss, heightening long-term water security risks and increasing hazards like landslides and glacial lake outburst floods. In the eastern Tian Shan, Urumqi Glacier No.1 recorded its most negative mass balance since measurements started in 1959.

At the same time, extreme rainfall and tropical cyclones unleashed destruction across multiple countries. Tropical Cyclone Yagi triggered widespread damage and casualties in Viet Nam, the Philippines, Lao PDR, Thailand, Myanmar, and China. In Central Asia, heavy snowmelt and record rainfall in Kazakhstan and southern Russia caused the worst flooding in at least 70 years, forcing the evacuation of 118,000 people. Western Asia also saw extreme precipitation, with the United Arab Emirates recording 259.5 millimeters of rain in 24 hours.

In India, extreme rainfall exceeding 500 millimeters over 48 hours triggered major landslides in northern Kerala on July 30, resulting in more than 350 deaths, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization. In late September, record-breaking rainfall in Nepal caused severe floods that killed at least 246 people and caused damages exceeding 12.85 billion Nepalese rupees, equivalent to approximately $94 million USD.

Early Warning Systems and Mitigation Efforts

Despite mounting climate pressures, regional case studies demonstrate that preparation can mitigate losses. In Nepal, strengthened early warning systems and coordinated anticipatory action enabled authorities to deliver life-saving support to more than 130,000 people during the September floods, reducing health risks and casualties.

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.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo

Saulo also emphasized that national meteorological and hydrological services remain vital for protecting lives and livelihoods against ongoing climate variability.