UN Warns World’s Water Cycle Is Becoming More Unpredictable

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Geneva: The World Meteorological Organization ( WMO) has cautioned that the global water cycle is growing more unpredictable and volatile, alternating between extreme droughts and heavy downpours. The warning is included in its most recent State of Global Water Resources report, which covers 2025 and trends from the previous five years.

The report noted that 2025 ranked among the driest years for global river flows in over thirty years, and the count of rivers experiencing ‘normal’ flow levels during the last seven years was at its lowest since 1991. Meanwhile, Earth’s freshwater reserves have kept declining, and glaciers have seen extensive retreat for the fourth year in a row.

The shifting cycle is triggering extremes at both ends insufficient water due to droughts and decreasing supplies, and excessive amounts from floods and heavy downpours. Asia and Africa were especially hard hit, collectively responsible for at least half of all recorded water-related extreme events and over 80% of the reported fatalities linked to them in the last five years.

WMO said that improved monitoring, data sharing, and early-warning systems will become increasingly vital as shifting water patterns heighten risks for communities, agriculture, ecosystems, and economies.

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