Thu Sep 18 08:37:45 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A new UN report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that the global water cycle is becoming increasingly erratic due to climate change. Last year’s record heat fueled prolonged droughts in some regions while others experienced devastating floods. The report highlights an imbalance in river basins worldwide and notes the increasing difficulty in predicting water patterns. Declining lake water quality and shrinking glaciers, contributing to rising sea levels, are also major concerns. The WMO urges increased monitoring and data sharing to manage water-related risks.
**News Article:**
**UN Warns of Increasingly Erratic Water Cycle as Climate Change Fuels Extremes**
**Geneva, Switzerland** – The United Nations is sounding the alarm about the increasingly unpredictable nature of the global water cycle, linking it directly to the effects of climate change. A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reveals a world grappling with intensifying swings between severe drought and extreme flooding.
Last year’s record-breaking heat fueled prolonged droughts across South America, Africa, and the Amazon basin. Simultaneously, parts of Central Africa, Europe, and Asia were inundated with excessive rainfall, leading to devastating floods and deadly storms.
“The world’s water resources are under growing pressure, and at the same time, more extreme water-related hazards are having an increasing impact on lives and livelihoods,” stated WMO chief Celeste Saulo.
The report indicates a clear imbalance in river basins worldwide, with two-thirds experiencing either too much or too little water. Scientists warn that predicting water patterns is becoming increasingly difficult due to the erratic nature of the altered cycle. As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere’s capacity to hold water increases, exacerbating both dry periods and intense rainfall events.
The WMO also highlighted the concerning decline in water quality in vital lakes and the continued shrinkage of glaciers, which added 1.2mm to global sea levels last year, increasing flood risk for coastal communities.
The organization is urging increased monitoring and data sharing among nations to better understand and manage water resources and hydrological extremes. Addressing these challenges is crucial for mitigating the risks associated with droughts, floods, and the accelerating loss of glaciers, ensuring a more secure water future for all.
First Piper 