State of the Climate in the Arab Region 2024
- WMO and partners issue first State of Climate in Arab Region report
- 2024 was hottest year on record
- Extreme weather causes massive social and economic disruption
- Heatwaves are becoming longer and more intense
- Nearly 60 percent of the region has early warning services
- WMO report seeks to inform decision-making
The State of the Climate in the Arab Region 2024 is the first WMO report dedicated to assessing climate trends and impacts in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions. It highlights that 2024 was the hottest year on record for the Arab region, where temperatures are rising at twice the global average.
Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe, threatening water availability and agriculture. Extreme events in 2024, including heatwaves and floods, caused over 300 reported deaths, with actual human and economic losses likely higher.
Nearly 60% of Arab countries now operate multi-hazard early warning systems, above the global average but still insufficient given the scale of risks. The report emphasizes water security as a top regional priority, as 15 of the world’s 20 most water-scarce countries are located in the Arab region. It reviews current policy frameworks, adaptation measures, and innovative solutions aimed at building long-term resilience.
Developed through a multi-agency collaboration, the report brings together contributions from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, WMO Regional Climate Centres, the League of Arab States, UN agencies, international organizations, and experts across the region.