1524. WMO Report Highlights Accelerating Warming and Climate Risks Across Asia

In June 2026, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released State of the Climate in Asia 2025. The report provides an integrated assessment of observed changes in temperature, precipitation, oceans, glaciers, sea level, and extreme weather events across Asia, highlighting the current state and impacts of climate change in the region.

According to the report, the average temperature across Asia in 2025 was 0.96°C above the 1991–2020 average, making it the second to fourth warmest year on record, depending on the dataset used. WMO also reports that the warming trend during 1991–2025 was approximately twice that observed during 1961–1990, indicating that Asia has been warming faster than the global average.

Regarding precipitation, WMO reports that many parts of South Asia experienced above-average rainfall, resulting in severe monsoon-related flooding. In contrast, precipitation remained below average across parts of West and Central Asia, with Iran continuing to experience severe water shortages associated with prolonged drought.

In High Mountain Asia, WMO reports that all 23 monitored glaciers experienced mass loss. Reduced winter snowfall and unusually warm conditions were identified as the primary contributing factors. Several glacier-related hazards, including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and glacier collapses, were also reported. WMO notes that continued glacier retreat could affect future water availability and increase disaster risks.

According to WMO, Ocean Heat Content reached a record high in 2025. Marine heatwaves affected nearly all Asian waters, with more than 10 million km² of ocean experiencing marine heatwave conditions between July and September. Sea level also continued to rise, with annual rates of approximately 4.9 mm along the Indian coast and more than 6 mm in the Kuroshio region.

The report also documents widespread impacts from extreme weather events. Record-breaking heat was observed in Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea. In Viet Nam, flooding claimed more than 200 lives, while in Sri Lanka, heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Ditwah resulted in more than 640 fatalities, illustrating the growing impacts of climate-related disasters across the region.

Overall, the report shows that changes are occurring simultaneously across multiple components of the climate system, including temperature, oceans, glaciers, the hydrological cycle, and extreme weather events. WMO emphasizes that, given Asia's large population and its strong dependence on agricultural production and water resources, strengthening climate change adaptation measures and early warning systems is becoming increasingly important.

Reference

WMO (2026). State of the Climate in Asia 2025. WMO-No. 1397.
https://doi.org/10.59327/WMO/S/CRI/SOC/3/ASIA

Contributor: Miyuki IIYAMA, Strategic Coordination Office