UAE Braces for Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms Following Record April Deluge

The United Arab Emirates is preparing for another round of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms from May 3-4, just weeks after a record deluge in April caused widespread flooding and disruptions across the country. The UAE has convened a joint weather task force to coordinate preparations and response efforts ahead of the expected inclement weather.

In April, the UAE experienced unprecedented rainfall, described as the heaviest in 75 years, leading to severe flooding that brought parts of Dubai and other emirates to a standstill. The torrential downpour caused significant disruptions, including flight delays and cancellations at Dubai International Airport, traffic chaos, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. "It was the highest rainfall in the UAE in 75 years," said Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) led a meeting of the Joint Weather and Tropical Assessment Team, which included representatives from various government agencies. The NCM forecasts a less severe weather event compared to the recent storms in April, but residents can still anticipate rain showers and thunderstorms. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have enacted continuity plans to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions.

Why this matters: The UAE's vulnerability to extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, has significant implications for the country's infrastructure, economy, and public safety. The government's proactive measures to prepare for and respond to these challenges demonstrate the growing importance of climate resilience and adaptation in the region.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has inspected vital infrastructure, and advanced systems are being utilized to aid rapid decision-making if required. Dubai has announced that all private schools in the emirate will switch to remote learning on Thursday and Friday due to the weather. Similar decisions have been made in Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah to ensure student safety.

According to the NCM, the impending weather scenario is not anticipated to be as severe as the April 16 storm, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected over scattered areas, occasionally accompanied by lightning, thunder, and a probability of hail. The weather front is being caused by an extension of a surface low pressure from the Red Sea, accompanied by humid southeasterly winds.

The UAE's cloud seeding program, initiated in 1982, aims to enhance rainfall by stimulating cloud condensation, demonstrating the country's commitment to sustainable solutions amid escalating climate challenges. However, experts like climatologist Friederike Otto have noted that global warming likely worsened the severity of the April storms, indicating a disturbing trend of increasing extreme weather events.

As the UAE braces for another round of

Key Takeaways

• UAE prepares for heavy rains and thunderstorms from May 3-4, 2023.
• April 2023 saw record-breaking rainfall, causing widespread flooding and disruptions.
• Authorities coordinate response efforts to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions.
• UAE's vulnerability to extreme weather events highlights the need for climate resilience.
• Cloud seeding program aims to enhance rainfall, but experts warn of worsening climate change.