Temperature increase is accelerating in Arab Region, with escalating impacts
Geneva (WMO) – The Arab region had its hottest year on record in 2024, and the rate of warming has accelerated in recent decades, accompanied by more intense heatwaves and droughts as well as extreme rainfall and storms, according to the inaugural World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report on the State of the Climate in the Arab Region.
- 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
These climate threats intersect with ongoing socio-economic challenges such as rapid urbanization, conflict, poverty, and population growth, highlighting the urgent need to build resilience, invest in risk reduction and water security, says the report.
The State of the Climate in the Arab Region 2024 report was compiled by the WMO in partnership with the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia and the League of Arab States to inform decision-making in a climate vulnerable region which counts 15 of the world’s most water-scarce countries.
“2024 was the hottest year on record for the Arab region – a continuation of a long-term trend. Temperatures are rising at twice the global average, with intense heatwaves that are pushing society to the limits. Human health, ecosystems and economies can’t cope with extended spells of more than 50 °Celsius – it is simply too hot to handle. Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe in one of the world’s most water-stressed regions. And at the same time, we have seen some disruptive and dangerous deluges,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
The average temperature in 2024 was 1.08 °C above the 1991-2020 average. The length of heatwaves has increased, especially in North Africa and the Near East, with a clear upward trend since 1981, it says. A number of countries reported temperatures of above 50 °C in 2024.
Drought worsened in 2024 in western North Arica after six consecutive failed rainy seasons, especially over Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Conversely – extreme rainfall and flash floods caused death and destruction in otherwise arid countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
Extreme events in 2024 affected nearly 3.8 million people and resulted in more than 300 deaths, mainly from heatwaves and floods. The true economic and human cost is certainly underestimated, the report stressed. The frequency and severity of extreme weather and climate events have increased significantly, with an 83% rise in recorded disasters between 1980–1999 and 2000–2019.
Multi-hazard early warning systems are more important than ever before – this is not a cost but an investment in saving lives and livelihoods. Nearly 60% of Arab countries have such systems in place, above the global average but still not enough.
Given the acute water stress, several countries are scaling up water security strategies, including desalination, wastewater reuse, dam construction and improved irrigation networks, it said.
The report also integrates regional climate projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
“Climate models covering the Arab region project a potential rise in average temperatures of up to 5°C by the end of the century under high-emission scenarios. Rising sea levels also threaten coastal cities. Declining rainfall affects water scarcity and jeopardizes food production. By incorporating climate projections, the report provides an annual snapshot of current conditions, while also serving as a strategic foresight tool that empowers the region to prepare for tomorrow’s climate realities,” said Rola Dashti Executive Secretary of Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia.
It is the first time that WMO, in collaboration with its partners, produced a State of the Climate report specifically for the Arab region, with more tailored information than its annual State of the Climate in Asia and Africa reports.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, said it was a “qualitative step towards enhancing our collective understanding of climate patterns, associated risks and their social and economic impacts. »
The report is a truly multi-agency effort, with contributions from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), WMO Regional Climate Centres (RCCs), specialized United Nations agencies and international organizations, and numerous experts and scientists.
Notes to Editors
The WMO State of the Climate for the Arab Region is one of a suite of WMO products to inform decision-making with climate intelligence.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting international cooperation in atmospheric science and meteorology.
WMO monitors weather, climate, and water resources and provides support to its Members in forecasting and disaster mitigation. The organization is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and improving public safety and well-being through its work.
For further information, please contact:
- Clare Nullis WMO media officer cnullis@wmo.int +41 79 709 13 97
- WMO Strategic Communication Office Media Contact media@wmo.int