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Jun 18, 20262
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WMO Report: Extreme Weather Affects 13 Million Africans, Kills 3,000 in 2025
The World Meteorological Organization released its 2025 climate report for Africa, showing that extreme weather affected 13 million people and caused 3,000 deaths in 2025. The report documents rapid glacier loss, rising sea levels, and severe flooding, while highlighting that only 40 percent of African countries have adequate early warning systems.
Quick Facts
Who
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
What
Release of "State of the Climate in Africa 2025" report
When
2025 (reporting year)
Where
Africa (continent-wide)
- Release of "State of the Climate in Africa 2025" report
- Documentation of extreme weather impacts across Africa
- Measurement of glacier decline on Mount Kilimanjaro
- Recording of severe flooding events in Nigeria and Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Assessment of early warning system coverage across African countries
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released its "State of the Climate in Africa 2025" report, revealing the severe human toll of climate change across the continent. Extreme weather and climate-related events affected at least 13 million people and resulted in over 3,000 deaths throughout Africa during 2025, with impacts spanning all economic and social sectors.
The report documents dramatic environmental changes across Africa, with the continent warming faster than the global average. Africa's glaciers have declined by more than 90 percent of their area since the late 19th century, with Mount Kilimanjaro particularly affected—glacier area there shrunk from 11.4 square kilometers in 1900 to less than one square kilometer in recent years. Sea levels along African coasts have risen between 1999 and 2025, exceeding the global average of 3.6 millimeters per year in several regions.
Floods accounted for more than half of reported extreme weather events. Severe flooding in Nigeria in May 2025 killed over 200 people, while flooding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in April 2025 claimed over 160 lives. These events underscore the vulnerability of African communities to climate-related hazards.
A critical gap in early warning infrastructure threatens response capabilities across the continent. Only 40 percent of African countries currently have multi-hazard early warning systems in place, systems that are essential for saving lives and livelihoods. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo stated: "The signs of a changing climate are clear across Africa, from increasing temperatures and rising sea levels to damaging floods and drought. This report shows not only the scale of the risks, but also the growing importance of early warnings, climate services and coordinated action to protect lives and livelihoods."
Despite the dire findings, the report highlighted encouraging developments. Collaborations between meteorological services, disaster management agencies, and local authorities are advancing climate services and strengthening response capabilities across the continent.
Why This Matters
This report quantifies the climate crisis's human impact on Africa and identifies a critical vulnerability: insufficient early warning systems leave millions exposed to preventable deaths. For policymakers, investors, and development agencies, it underscores the urgent need to fund meteorological infrastructure and coordinate regional disaster response. For affected communities, it validates the scale of risk and strengthens the case for adaptation investment.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 1900
WireMount Kilimanjaro glacier area measured at 11.4 square kilometers
Jan 1, 2025
WireExtreme weather and climate events affect 13 million people across Africa, resulting in 3,000+ deaths