The UN agency noted that “several countries (in the Arab region) reported temperatures above 50°C (122°F) last year, while average regional temperatures for 2024 were 1.08°C.” higher than between 1991 and 2020.
Highlighting the importance of this data, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo noted that the scorching temperatures marked by Intense and long-lasting heat waves “They’re pushing society to the limit… it’s just too hot to handle,” she said.
“Human health, ecosystems and economies cannot cope with prolonged periods of more than 50°C,” continued the head of the WMO. “Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe in one of the most water-scarce regions in the world. And at the same time, we have seen some disturbing and dangerous deluges.”
Hostile climate
The UN report indicates a 83 percent increase in recorded disasters in Arab nations between 1980-1999 and 2000-2019.
In addition to the record heat, the region – covering 15 of the world’s most water-scarce countries – It has endured dust storms, prolonged droughts and destructive floods.
Drought worsened in 2024 in northern West Africa after six consecutive failed rain seasons, especially during Morocco, Algeria and TunisiaWMO said. While in otherwise arid countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emiratesextreme rains and flash floods caused death and destruction.
These climate shocks have deepened pressure on communities already facing conflict, rapid population growth, urbanization and economic fragility. The WMO warned that Without stronger adaptation measures, these pressures will only intensify as temperatures continue their rapid upward trajectory..
• 2024 was the hottest year on record in the Arab region
• Temperatures increase almost twice the global average
• Heat, drought and extreme rains intensified last year
• Almost 60 percent of Arab countries now have early warning systems.
• WMO calls for greater coordination of climate action
These rising extremes are already reshaping daily life across the Arab region, where water shortages are worsening as higher temperatures accelerate evaporation and deplete groundwater reserves.
Everyday life in danger
Urban centers face increasing threats to energy supplies, transport networks and public health, particularly for people working outdoors or living in informal housing. In rural areas, prolonged drought is eroding food production and forcing difficult trade-offs between agriculture, domestic water use and environmental protection.
Claire Ransom, Deputy Scientific Officer at the WMO Climate Policy and Monitoring Section, highlighted that extreme heat is just one of many extreme climate threats. “Dust storms, severe flooding and other extreme weather events will put immense pressure on communities across the region in 2024, disrupting lives and impacting millions of people.” she said.
These events have caused significant economic losses, displacing families, damaging crops, and overwhelming emergency response systems, which are unevenly distributed across the region.
Coordinated action
Despite these challenges, the WMO assessment identifies areas of progress. Many countries have expanded their preparedness systems and begun investing more strategically in adaptation. “There is progress – almost 60 per cent of Arab countries now have multi-hazard early warning systems in place, and many are prioritizing water security strategies to address the growing climate risks we have seen in 2024 and beyond,” Ms Ransom said.
While adaptation efforts are increasing, the report concludes that only rapid, sustained and collaborative action will be enough to prevent the harsh climate of 2024 from becoming the new normal.
The pressure for coordinated solutions increases as temperatures increase. The combination of extreme heat, water scarcity and rapidly growing populations is amplifying existing vulnerabilities and threatening development goals in multiple countries. Many governments are already struggling to maintain essential services during heat waves, while the poorest communities face the greatest risks from both rising temperatures and worsening storms.
“The key message of the report is clear. The Arab region truly is on the frontlines of climate change, and timely information and coordinated action are no longer optional. They are absolutely essential,” Ms Ransom said.
The report was prepared by the UN agency in partnership with the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia and the League of Arab States. It is the first climate assessment dedicated entirely to the Arab region and aims to provide actionable, science-based information to support decision makers in the water-scarce region.