Environment & Climate
Global rivers experienced near-record low flows in 2025, WMO assessment finds
The Guardian reports that global land-based water levels dropped 42% below normal in 2025.
The short version
- A World Meteorological Organisation study found global river flows in 2025 were among the lowest recorded in over 30 years.[The Guardian]
- Land-based freshwater storage fell 42% below normal levels worldwide as 36% of river basin areas recorded below-normal flows.[The Guardian]
- Glaciers lost 400 gigatons of ice in 2025, contributing 1.1mm to global sea level rise across all 19 major glacial regions.[The Guardian]
- WMO officials urged global action to address persistent, decade-long declines in global water resources.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- In 2025, river flows were below or far below normal across 36% of global river basin areas, while only about a third remained in the normal range.[The Guardian]
- Terrestrial water storage worldwide dropped 42% below normal levels last year.[The Guardian]
- Global glaciers lost 400 gigatons of ice mass in 2025, adding 1.1mm to global sea level rise.[The Guardian]
- All 19 major glacial regions worldwide experienced ice mass loss for the fourth consecutive year.[The Guardian]
- Global land water storage has exhibited a persistent downward trend since 2014–16.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- 2025 was among driest years on record for world’s rivers, study findsThe Guardian - Environment