Climate Central reports 2025 as Earth’s 4th hottest year on record
The Houston skyline is seen in this file image from 2020. (KPRC/File)
HOUSTON – Climate change is more than a buzz word — it can be seen and felt across our communities.
Climate Central reports that in 2025, climate and weather disasters costed $115 billion in damages, ranking it the third costliest year on record.
While Houston missed direct landfalls from tropical storms and hurricanes in 2025, the city is no stranger to historic storms like Hurricane Harvey .
Here is a list of five ways changes in our climate are impacting southeast Texas.
Increasing frequency and intensity of heat wavesMore intense rainstorms, longer dry periods
Heavier rainfalls that lead to catastrophic flooding mean costly repairs and higher flood insurance rates across the Houston area.
Although Houston did not see any major hurricanes this tropical season, we did experience moderate to extreme drought conditions across southeast Texas in 2025.
Warmer sea surface temperatures
Warming sea surface temperatures are putting aquatic life at risk of disease, leading to algal blooms and changes in salinity, all factors that make it hard for species like oysters to thrive. We noticed an impact on the oyster population in oyster-harvesting areas of Galveston Bay this year, not only due to warmer seas surface temperatures but also powerful tropical storms and hurricanes.
Sea level riseResearch by the group ‘Sea Level Rise’ shows the sea level off the Texas coast is up 18 inches from where it was 70 years ago. This change leads to more coastal flooding, beach erosion and the transition of wetlands to dry land. These shifts can impact the wildlife and properties that are near coastal areas.Extreme coldHard to forget about the Texas freeze in 2021 and the most recent snow and cold snaps in January that closed schools and slowed travel. A study by the journal ‘Science’ suggests climate models are showing more cases of displaced polar air that is leading to impactful winter weather events.
Copyright 2023 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
About the AuthorDaji Aswad headshotDaji Aswad
I am grateful for the opportunity to share the captivating tales of weather, climate, and science within a community that has undergone the same transformative moments that have shaped my own life.
Texas school voucher applications
▶ 0:55
Texas school voucher applications Why Tuesday’s Storm Turned Severe
▶ 0:41
Why Tuesday’s Storm Turned SevereWhy are people illegally dumping all over Houston
▶ 0:45
Why are people illegally dumping all over HoustonTop news Feb. 4
▶ 2:02
Top news Feb. 4 Suspect dead, 2 hospitalized after AutoZone burglary and crash on Katy Freeway
▶ 0:50
Suspect dead, 2 hospitalized after AutoZone burglary and crash on Katy FreewayOlympic champion Lindsey Vonn says she has not skied downhill full speed since her injury
▶ 1:00
Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn says she has not skied downhill full speed since her injuryToday is National Missing Persons Day
▶ 2:06
Today is National Missing Persons Day Murder-suicide under investigation
▶ 0:47
Murder-suicide under investigation Top headlines for Feb. 3
▶ 2:34
Top headlines for Feb. 3 KPRC 2’s Daniella Guzman samples Italian pizza before the 2026 Winter Olympics
▶ 0:56
KPRC 2’s Daniella Guzman samples Italian pizza before the 2026 Winter OlympicsWhat does the groundhog do? Breaking down Groundhog Day!
▶ 1:57
What does the groundhog do? Breaking down Groundhog Day!Student stabbed at Conroe ISD’s Grand Oaks High School
▶ 1:28
Student stabbed at Conroe ISD’s Grand Oaks High SchoolCity leaders promise action as illegal dumping takes over Houston neighborhood
▶ 0:53
City leaders promise action as illegal dumping takes over Houston neighborhoodMadre en Houston denuncia amenazas tras buscar ayuda migratoria
▶ 2:25
Madre en Houston denuncia amenazas tras buscar ayuda migratoriaBig changes to SNAP benefits: New work rules now in effect in Texas
▶ 0:38
Big changes to SNAP benefits: New work rules now in effect in TexasUpdate: Domestic incident leaves man dead, woman critically injured in Harris County
▶ 1:01
Update: Domestic incident leaves man dead, woman critically injured in Harris CountyChild unharmed as man killed, woman critically injured in Harris County apartment shooting
▶ 0:34
Child unharmed as man killed, woman critically injured in Harris County apartment shootingLos titulares para empezar el día. ☕️🗞️
▶ 2:07
Los titulares para empezar el día. ☕️🗞️KPRC 2’s Daniella Guzman reporting from Milan ahead of the Olympics
▶ 0:45
KPRC 2’s Daniella Guzman reporting from Milan ahead of the OlympicsDid the Recent Cold Snaps Kill Mosquitoes in Houston? Here’s What to Know
▶ 1:06
Did the Recent Cold Snaps Kill Mosquitoes in Houston? Here’s What to KnowDarian Walker with Express Children’s Theatre at KPRC 2
▶ 0:55
Darian Walker with Express Children’s Theatre at KPRC 2Varios tiroteos en Houston durante la noche
▶ 2:37
Varios tiroteos en Houston durante la nocheThree Separate Shootings Across Houston Overnight
▶ 2:44
Three Separate Shootings Across Houston OvernightCiao from Italy! Daniella Guzman at Milan Cortina 2026
▶ 0:44
Ciao from Italy! Daniella Guzman at Milan Cortina 2026Set it and forget – Texas Towel Trap, Hard Freeze
▶ 1:23
Set it and forget – Texas Towel Trap, Hard FreezePrevious photoNext photo