Asia has faced a wave of powerful and deadly storms in recent months, with countries such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand suffering severe floods, landslides, and widespread destruction that swept away homes, damaged roads, and displaced thousands of families. Scientists studying these events say the storms were not isolated incidents but were strongly influenced by rising temperatures and rapid environmental changes, and this article explains in simple, clear terms how warmer seas and damaged forests are linked to stronger storms in Asia, focusing only on measured scientific observations without predictions or opinions.
How warmer oceans fuel stronger storms
Storms that form over tropical oceans depend heavily on heat. Warm ocean water acts like fuel. The warmer the water, the more energy a storm can collect as it grows. Scientists studying recent storms in South and Southeast Asia found that sea surface temperatures were higher than normal during the most intense rainfall days.
In the North Indian Ocean, water temperatures were about 0.2 degrees Celsius above the average measured between 1991 and 2020. This may sound small, but even slight increases in ocean temperature can make a big difference. Warm water releases more heat into the air. This heat helps storm clouds grow taller and wider. It also allows storms to hold more moisture.
When a storm carries more moisture, it produces heavier rain. Heavy rain over several days can overwhelm rivers and drainage systems. This leads to floods, landslides, and damage to buildings and farms. In places with steep hills or weak infrastructure, the risk becomes even greater.
Scientists also estimated that without the long-term rise in global temperatures since the pre-industrial period, the ocean surface in this region would have been about one degree Celsius cooler during the storm period. Cooler water would have meant less energy for the storms. This shows how long-term warming plays a role in shaping individual weather events.
Tropical storms have always occurred during monsoon seasons. Scientists are clear that there is no strong evidence showing that climate change has made these storms happen more often. However, they say warmer seas are making each storm more intense. This means storms are more likely to bring extreme rainfall, stronger winds, and higher damage levels when they do occur.
The role of deforestation in worsening flood damage
While warm oceans help storms grow stronger, conditions on land affect how damaging the storms become. One major factor is deforestation. Large areas of forest have been cleared in parts of Southeast Asia for farming, logging, and development. Trees play an important role in protecting the land during heavy rain.
Forest soil absorbs water like a sponge. Tree roots hold the soil together and slow down the flow of rainwater. When forests are removed, rainwater runs quickly over bare ground. This fast-moving water erodes soil, fills rivers rapidly, and increases the chance of flash floods.
Scientists studying recent storms found that rapid deforestation made flooding and landslides worse. In hilly regions, the loss of trees made slopes unstable. When heavy rain fell for several days, the weakened ground collapsed, causing deadly landslides.
Deforestation also affects local climate conditions. Forests help cool the air by providing shade and releasing moisture through their leaves. When forests disappear, local temperatures rise. Hotter land surfaces can add to the intensity of storms by increasing the contrast between land and sea temperatures.
In many affected areas, communities are built near rivers or on hillsides. These locations are especially vulnerable when forests are removed. Without natural protection, even storms that are common for the region can turn deadly. This shows that the impact of storms is not only about how strong the weather is but also about how prepared and protected the land is.
Rising heat, record warmth, and growing energy pressure
The recent storms occurred during a period of exceptional global warmth. Climate monitoring agencies report that 2025 is on track to be the second or third warmest year ever recorded. Only one previous year may have been warmer. This continued heat follows years of rising global temperatures.
Higher global temperatures mean warmer oceans, warmer air, and more moisture in the atmosphere. Warm air can hold more water vapor. When storms form, this extra moisture can fall as intense rain over short periods. This pattern increases the risk of floods, even if the number of storms does not increase.
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At the same time, energy systems around the world are under pressure. Electricity demand is reaching record highs in some regions due to increased use of digital services, cooling systems, and electric technologies. As societies use more electricity and rely less on fossil fuels for heating and transport, power grids are being stretched.
In Europe, high energy prices have led to faster approval of energy grid projects and new plans for cross-border electricity networks. These efforts aim to stabilize power supplies and reduce costs. Industrial energy prices in Europe remain much higher than in some other regions, affecting economic decisions and investments.
In Asia, financial institutions are also supporting environmental and coastal protection efforts. For example, large funding programs are being approved to support blue economy initiatives. These programs focus on protecting oceans, coastal ecosystems, and sustainable marine industries. Healthy coastal ecosystems can reduce storm damage by absorbing wave energy and protecting shorelines.
Together, these facts show how rising temperatures connect many parts of daily life. Warmer oceans strengthen storms. Deforestation increases damage on land. Record global heat affects weather patterns and energy systems at the same time. The deadly storms seen across parts of Asia are shaped by this combination of natural forces and human-driven changes, all interacting at once.
