The weather of 2024 caused great trouble and shook the lives of millions of people.

The year 2024 proved that climate change is no longer just a warning of the future, but has become today's harsh reality. Sometimes unimaginable heat scorched us, and sometimes record-breaking rains wreaked havoc. Storms destroyed cities and drought took a toll on hundreds of lives. 2024 brought the most horrific forms of weather in front of us.

Each month set new heat records, and according to the European Climate Service, 2024 is set to be the hottest year ever. Sudden floods in the Sahara Desert took everyone by surprise, while unusual heat in cold regions like the Himalayas forced snow to melt faster, increasing the risk of flooding. Let's take a look at these events.

Millions of people suffered due to the heat.

2024 proved that this year was the year of heat. Both land and sea broke temperature records several times. In April, several countries from Lebanon to Cambodia were hit by continuous heatwaves, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat stroke. Many experts say that people over the age of 65, and those already suffering from health problems are most affected by this extreme heat. These people are not physically able to bear such extreme heat.

Scientists believe that humans can adapt to higher temperatures over time, but researchers from WWA and Climate Central estimate that in 2024 the world's population will face 41 additional days of dangerous heat compared to a world without climate change. The effects of fossil fuel-induced heat have never been more obvious and devastating than in 2024.

Forest fires rage in Europe

Europe, which was once known for its balanced weather, is now grappling with forest fires. Countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain witnessed massive fires, burning down millions of hectares of forest. This has become a big tragedy not just for the environment but also for the people and wildlife there.

The increasing strength of storms

While there was no sign of rain in some places, there was water everywhere in other places. Both the number and strength of storms in the Atlantic Ocean have increased. Storms like “Harold” and “Frederick” that came in 2024 caused massive destruction in coastal areas. Scientists say that the warming oceans are making these storms more deadly.

The Philippines faced a record-breaking six typhoons in just 30 days between October and November, after the country had already been hit by six months of continuous storms.

The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to these types of storms because of its location near a warm ocean. Landslides and floods triggered by the storms this season killed more than 1,200 people in Southeast Asia.

Scientists say there is no evidence that climate change will increase the number of typhoons, hurricanes or cyclones. But research has shown that climate change can increase the intensity of these storms.

Even rich countries are helpless in front of storms

The weather havoc in 2024 was so severe that even the richest countries in the world could not escape it. The US faced two consecutive storms – first Hurricane Helen, then Hurricane Milton, which killed more than 260 people and caused massive damage of $115 billion (₹92 billion). Scientists had already warned that this year's hurricane season would be "extraordinary" due to the increased temperature of the Atlantic Ocean. On July 2, Hurricane Beryl became the earliest ever Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic.

Heavy rains in India, Nigeria, Chad and Sudan

The monsoon cycle in India was also turbulent this year. In some states, rain took the form of floods, while other states suffered drought. Unseasonal rains disrupted life in big cities like Delhi and Mumbai. This year was very challenging for farmers, as irregular weather destroyed their crops.

Flooding in Sudan and Nigeria in August and September showed how poorly maintained infrastructure can be affected by adverse weather conditions. Heavy rains that began in July caused widespread flooding, which led to the collapse of several dams, killing dozens and forcing thousands to leave their homes.

These events of the year 2024 warn us that if we do not change our habits even now, the future will be more frightening. From reducing carbon emissions to adopting green energy, it has now become imperative to take every small and big step.