Global Water Monitor 2024, Summary Report

Our global water systems are under mounting pressure as climate change drives more extreme weather events and disrupts the water cycle. The year 2024 was a year of extremes but not an isolated occurrence. It fits with a worsening trend of more intense floods, prolonged droughts, and record-breaking extremes. These changes impact water availability and increase the risks to lives, infrastructure and ecosystems from water-related disasters. Reliable and timely information about water resources and hazards is more crucial than ever, yet traditional groundbased measurement networks continue to decline. Satellite observations now play a vital role, offering rapid and consistent global data on the atmosphere and Earth's surface, but they should not replace networks on the ground. The Global Water Monitor Consortium unites public and private organisations to deliver open, actionable climate and water data. By integrating satellite and ground observations, we aim to provide timely updates on critical aspects of the water cycle. Our Global Water Monitor platform (www.globalwater.online) allows anyone to explore a wealth of climate and water data free of charge. This third annual report builds on the work of previous years, summarising the state of the global water cycle in 2024, identifying key trends, and analysing major hydrological events. It includes updated metrics on rainfall, temperature, air humidity, river flows and water stored in lakes, soil and underground. It also provides insights into extreme rainfall and
temperatures. This report reinforces a clear message: as the planet warms, water challenges are escalating, year after year. By trying to provide information on changes and events, we hope to support informed decision-making to protect communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems in an increasingly volatile future