The weather conditions in some parts of the world are particularly peculiar. 

Prolonged periods of heatwaves, droughts, floods, hurricanes, or even wildfires are all classified as extreme weather conditions. 

Dominica has been identified as the country most affected by extreme weather events from 1993 through 2022. 

TL;DR

• Dominica, China, and Honduras are the top countries most affected by extreme weather in the last 30 years. 
• Wildfires, heat waves, typhoons, and flooding are the most common weather disasters. 
• Geographic location is a leading factor that makes countries more susceptible to weather disasters than others. 

This is according to the recently published Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025 by Germanwatch. 

The report analyzed and ranked countries based on recorded weather-related loss events, including deaths and economic damages.

Top 30 Countries Most Affected by Extreme Weather

The ranking covers events leading from 1993 to 2022.

As you can see, Dominica comes first on the list. It was marked by Hurricane Maria’s devastation in 2017, an event powerful enough to cripple a nation’s economy. 

The report stated that more than 765,000 people were killed in storms, floods, droughts, heat waves, and wildfires. 

And the economic damage totaled nearly $4.2 trillion (€4.07 trillion), a figure adjusted for inflation. 

The massive populations and expanding economies of China and India make them susceptible to weather-related losses, typhoons, floods, and record-breaking heatwaves, which can affect millions at once. 

This shows that climate vulnerability isn’t just about fragile islands or poor nations; even the global powerhouses are struggling to adapt to an increasingly volatile climate.

European countries such as Italy, Greece, and Spain also highlight how extreme heat, wildfires, and flash floods have made the Mediterranean a new climate hotspot. 

Common Types of Extreme Weather by Region 

Extreme weather varies across countries worldwide, but every region has its own signature threats shaped by geography and climate patterns. 

Asia: Monsoons, Typhoons, and Heatwaves

South and Southeast Asia are dominated by monsoon rains that bring life-giving water but also devastating floods and landslides. 

India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines endure typhoons and cyclones that cover the coastal areas. 

Meanwhile, East Asia, including China, Japan, and South Korea, is increasingly experiencing deadly heatwaves and unsafe temperatures.

Caribbean: Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

The Caribbean is ground zero for hurricanes, massive tropical storms fueled by warm ocean waters. Islands like Dominica, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas constantly face Category 4 and 5 hurricanes that can flatten infrastructure, destroy crops, and displace entire communities.

Europe: Heatwaves, Wildfires, and Floods

Europe’s once-mild climate has become a region prone to extreme weather. 

The continent now faces record-breaking heatwaves, particularly in the Mediterranean region, including Spain, Italy, Greece, and France. 

These heat events spark wildfires and threaten public health. In Northern and Central Europe, flash floods and severe storms have grown more frequent in recent years.

Africa and the Middle East: Droughts and Dust Storms 

In contrast, much of Africa and the Middle East suffer from prolonged droughts. 

Nations across the Sahel and Horn of Africa struggle with water scarcity, crop failures, and famine. To make things even worse, living conditions, agriculture, and general livelihoods are affected by periodic dust storms and heatwaves.

What Really Makes a Country More Vulnerable to Extreme Weather? 

Location appears to be a key factor in weather extremes.

For example, Caribbean islands, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, which are situated along coastlines, in tropical zones, or along major storm paths, always face threats from hurricanes, cyclones, and rising sea levels. 

Nations such as Nepal and Peru, with significant mountainous terrain, face floods and landslides, while those in arid regions are prone to drought. 

Other possible factors include: 

• Climate Change: Global warming intensifies the weather. Countries that are already exposed to natural hazards experience more destructive and unpredictable extreme weather.
• Infrastructure and Urbanization: Poorly built homes, outdated drainage systems, and fragile power grids make disasters hit harder. 
• Income and Inequality: Countries with low incomes are more vulnerable because they have fewer resources to prepare for or rebuild. A storm in such countries can lead to weaker safety nets, limited insurance coverage, and slower recovery systems. Many of these nations also have a high share of agriculture in GDP, making crop losses from extreme weather especially devastating to their entire economies. 

ELI5: Countries With the Most Extreme Weather

Dominica, China, and Honduras have been the hardest-hit countries by extreme weather over the past 30 years. Wildfires, heat waves, typhoons, and floods are the most common disasters driving the damage. Much of this comes down to geography. Some regions are naturally more exposed and therefore far more vulnerable to severe weather events.

Sources:  

Climate Risk Index