The first World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report on the State of the Climate in the Arab region reflects rising temperatures and the emergence of increasingly extreme weather events. While in generally arid countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, extreme rains and flash floods have caused death and destruction. These weather phenomena have intensified pressure on communities already dealing with conflicts, rapid population growth, urbanization, and economic fragility. At the same time, we have seen some extreme, disruptive, and dangerous precipitation. According to the Argentine News Agency, the UN agency stated that "last year, several countries in the region recorded temperatures above 50°C, while regional average temperatures for 2024 were 1.08°C higher than between 1991 and 2020." Celeste Saulo, WMO representative, noted that scorching temperatures, marked by more intense and prolonged heatwaves, "are pushing society to the limit and it is simply too hot to handle." She warned that "human health, ecosystems, and economies cannot withstand prolonged periods above 50°C" and that "droughts are becoming more frequent and severe in one of the world's most water-stressed regions." Sandstorms, droughts, and floods The UN report indicates an 83% increase in recorded disasters in Arab nations between 1980-1999 and 2000-2019. In addition to record heat, the region—which covers 15 of the world's most water-scarce countries—has suffered from sandstorms, prolonged droughts, and destructive floods. The WMO warned that without stronger adaptation measures, these pressures will only intensify. The WMO reported that drought worsened in 2024 in West Africa after six consecutive failed rainy seasons, particularly in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The WMO warned that without stronger adaptation measures, these pressures will only intensify.
