Surge in global extreme weather events signals intensifying impact of climate change

In 2025, the world has witnessed an alarming rise in extreme weather disasters, with scientists increasingly linking the scale and frequency of these events to the accelerating impacts of climate change.

From catastrophic floods to unprecedented wildfires, the first half of the year alone has brought several high-impact climate emergencies across continents.

One of the most devastating incidents occurred in Texas, US, over the July 4 weekend, where intense rainfall led to flash floods that killed over 100 people, with more than 180 still missing.

Days later, New Mexico’s Ruidoso saw torrential monsoon rains trigger another destructive flood, sweeping away homes and prompting a state of emergency.

In South America, Brazil's Vale do Aço region experienced heavy flooding and landslides in January, resulting in 12 deaths and the displacement of thousands. Similarly, Argentina’s Bahía Blanca recorded extreme rainfall in March, with at least 17 fatalities.

Across Africa, a major flood struck South Africa’s Eastern Cape and Cape Town regions in June, causing over 100 deaths and displacing more than 6,000 people. In Nigeria, the town of Mokwa suffered catastrophic flooding in May, reportedly killing more than 500 people after heavy rains and dam collapse submerged entire neighborhoods.

Asia was not spared either. South Korea battled some of its worst wildfires on record between March and May, burning over 100,000 hectares and displacing nearly 38,000 residents.

Extreme heatwaves in parts of India and Southeast Asia also broke several long-standing temperature records.

Experts attribute this spike in disasters to climate change intensifying the global water cycle. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the atmosphere can hold about 7% more moisture for every 1°C rise in temperature, significantly increasing the likelihood and intensity of extreme rainfall.

NASA’s GRACE satellite mission also reported that both flood and drought events have doubled in frequency and severity since the early 2000s.

A recent study published in Nature adds that many regions—including parts of the US, Europe, Africa, and Asia—are now experiencing extreme precipitation events 15–40% more frequently than five decades ago.

The US Climate Extremes Index, which tracks the frequency of abnormal weather events, shows a 58% increase since the 1980s, indicating a broader pattern of change.

In response, meteorologists and disaster management agencies have called for enhanced early warning systems, improved infrastructure, and more sustainable land and water management strategies.

As the second half of 2025 unfolds, climate scientists warn that such events are no longer anomalies but part of a growing norm, underlining the urgency of both climate adaptation and mitigation efforts worldwide.