Decoding UAE’s record rainfall: Gulf state receives 1.5 years of rain in 24 hours

The UAE marked an unprecedented meteorological occurence on Tuesday as the nation received 1.5 years of rainfall in just 24 hours. This surpasses any documented precipitation event since the beginning of data collection in 1949.

One person has been reported dead in the UAE from the torrential rains and 18 others in neighbouring Oman. Climate experts have noted that it is highly likely the disaster in both countries has been exacerbated by human-caused climate change.

Khatm Al Shakla in Al Ain registered the highest rainfall, reaching an astonishing 254 mm in less than 24 hours. This substantial amount contributes to an elevation in the nation’s annual rainfall average and bolsters its reservoirs too.

Is Dubai rainfall linked to cloud seeding?

Many people on social media had speculated that UAE’s prominent cloud seeding programme, or artificial rain, is partially responsible for the precipitation. But an official for the National Centre of Meteorology has put an end to doubts.

The official confirmed that no cloud seeding missions took place during Tuesday’s deluge, as per The National. The confirmation enforces the NCM’s previously stated policy that volatile atmospheric systems are too dangerous to dispatch seeding planes to.

The NCM previously said that the adverse conditions are a result of a low pressure system moving towards the UAE. A forecaster for the entity had noted: “Some say we are responsible for storms. We are not responsible for this.”

UAE tackling unprecedented rainfall by:

1. The Government of Dubai has decided to extend remote learning for private schools through Thursday and Friday.

2. UAE’s government schools have also been instructed to continue remote learning on Thursday and Friday.

3. The extension is aimed at ensuring that all schools and their surrounding areas are safe for the return of students and faculty members.

4. The Dubai government has also extended remote work period for all of its affiliated entities to include Thursday and Friday.

5. Despite the unprecedented conditions, Zayed International Airport continues to fully operate smoothly. Passengers have been advised to regularly check for updates.

6. The Dubai Metro is back up and running, the city’s Roads and Transport Authority has said. Services are operational at multiple stations and work continues at remaining others.

7. Sharjah’s Local Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Team, besides the Private Education Authority, has extended remote learning for private schools for Thursday.

8. Private sector companies in Sharjah have also been asked to keep remote work mandates in place to reduce any sort of risks linked to the dangerous condition.

9. Dubai Tram had suspended services due to the deluge. But the city’s Road and Transport Authority has announced that the tram is back in operation to its regular schedule.