STATE OF THE CLIMATE IN ASIA 2024

Current Context: WMO’s 2024 Asia report shows record-breaking temperatures (1.04 °C above 1991–2020 average), fastest warming region, glacier melt, marine heatwaves, and sea-level rise—underscoring escalated climate risks.

 KEY FINDINGS:

• Temperature Rise: 2024 was Asia’s warmest or second warmest year; warming 2× global rate.
• Heatwaves & Deaths: India’s hottest year since 1901; heatwaves caused 44,000+ stroke cases and ~450 deaths.
• Glacial Loss: Central Himalayas & Tian Shan glaciers receding; risk of glacial floods.
• Marine Heat: Sea-surface temperatures at record highs; marine heatwave spanned ~40 million km².
• Sea-Level Rise: Coastal sea levels rising at ~4–4.6 mm/year—above global average.
• Extreme Events: Cyclones, floods, droughts impacting millions and economies.