The World Meteorological Organization warns that global water resources are shrinking, with reduced river discharge, shrinking glaciers, and falling groundwater levels in many regions, signaling a systemic decline in the water cycle.

Groundwater data from 2025 show nearly two-thirds of monitored wells operating outside historical norms, with deficits worse than in 2024 rather than recovering.

2025 was among the driest years for rivers worldwide in more than three decades, raising alarms about global water security.

The article places these findings in a broader media context, noting ongoing coverage, commentary, and a civic engagement media campaign in Germany.

The report draws attention to the growing frequency of hydrological extremes, including floods and droughts, as part of a changing climate.

Key conclusions stress the need to plan for increased extremes and to embed water resource management within climate adaptation strategies.

Experts warn of broad consequences for ecosystems, economies, and human societies as the water cycle becomes more extreme and less predictable.

A stronger-than-typical El Niño is anticipated, likely driving drought in some regions and heavy rainfall in others, intensifying water management challenges ahead.

The WMO cautions that the global water cycle is becoming increasingly unpredictable due to climate change and a likely strong El Niño, with mixed droughts and floods.

Overall, El Niño is expected to be record-strength, amplifying drought risk in some areas and flooding in others, heightening hydrological volatility.

The August 2026 heat record is cited as context for escalating stress on water resources, aligning with broader climate change trends.

Availability and reliability of water resources are increasingly influenced by climate change and related hydrological shifts.