Asia Heating Up Twice as Fast as Global Average – WMO’s 2024 Climate Report

Key Findings from the WMO 2024 Report
1. Rapid Warming in Asia
Asia’s warming rate is nearly double the global average.
2024 was Asia’s hottest year, with Japan, India, and Saudi Arabia recording extreme temperatures.
India reported over 450 heatwave-related deaths, while Thailand and Myanmar saw new national records.

2. Rising Sea Levels & Glacial Melt
Sea levels rose faster than the global average, especially along the Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts.
23 out of 24 monitored glaciers in the Himalayas and Tian Shan lost mass.
Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Nepal displaced 130+ people.

3. Extreme Weather Disasters (2024 Highlights)
UAE recorded its heaviest rainfall in 75 years (259.5 mm in 24 hours).
Nepal floods killed 246 people, causing NPR 12.85 billion in damages.
Kerala (India) saw 350+ deaths due to extreme rainfall.
China’s drought affected 4.8 million people, damaging crops and economies.
Lightning strikes in India killed 1,300+ people, including 72 in a single day.

4. Devastating Cyclones
Four major cyclones struck Asia in 2024:
Remal (Bay of Bengal): Flooded Bangladesh and India with 2.5m high surges.
Asna (Arabian Sea): Only the third cyclone in the region since 1891.
Dana & Fengal: Fengal caused fatalities and displacement in India and Sri Lanka.


Sample Questions & Answers for Competitive Exams
Q1. According to the WMO’s 2024 report, how much faster is Asia warming compared to the global average?
Ans: Nearly twice as fast as the global average.
Q2. Which country recorded its heaviest 24-hour rainfall in 75 years in 2024?
Ans: The UAE (259.5 mm in 24 hours).
Q3. How many Himalayan glaciers lost mass in 2024, as per the WMO report?
Ans: 23 out of 24 monitored glaciers showed significant melting.
Q4. Which cyclone in 2024 was only the third recorded in the Arabian Sea since 1891?
Ans: Cyclone Asna.
Q5. How many people were affected by drought in China in 2024?
Ans: Approximately 4.8 million people.