Climate Trends in Asia 2024
Asia experienced an exceptionally warm year in 2024, with the average temperature rising by 1.04 degrees Celsius above the last 30-year average, according to a World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report. The continent is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, leading to various extreme weather events and significant economic impacts.
Extreme Weather Events
- Asia faced 29 tropical cyclones, prolonged heat waves, and extreme rainfall events.
- In India, extreme heatwaves caused over 450 deaths, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius.
- Deadly lightning events in India resulted in approximately 1,300 deaths.
- Asia's most severe tropical cyclone, Yagi, caused extensive damage across several countries, including the Philippines and China.
- Marine heatwaves covered nearly 15 million square kilometers.
Glacial and Rainfall Changes
- 23 out of 24 glaciers in central-south Asia experienced mass loss.
- Urumqi Glacier No.1 recorded its most negative mass balance since 1959.
- Above-normal rainfall was noted in regions such as the Arabian desert and parts of Myanmar.
Expert Commentary
Professor Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General, emphasized the significant repercussions on societies and ecosystems due to changes in climate indicators like surface temperature and sea levels.
