A recent storm wreaked havoc in the United Arab Emirates and Oman, causing significant flooding and claiming several lives. Despite questions raised about cloud seeding possibly triggering the heavy rains, experts assert that global warming and natural weather patterns were the primary drivers behind the intense rainfall.
The storm, which hit Oman initially before impacting the UAE, led to record rainfall and widespread disruptions. In Al Ain, a city bordering Oman, a historic 254 millimetres of rain fell within 24 hours, marking a record since data collection began in 1949.
While cloud seeding—a technique used to enhance rainfall—has been a focus in the UAE, meteorological authorities confirmed that no such operations were conducted before the storm. Instead, experts point to a combination of atmospheric conditions, including low-pressure systems and temperature differentials, exacerbated by climate change, as the main factors behind the intense thunderstorm.
Climate scientists emphasize that rising global temperatures contribute to more extreme weather events worldwide, including heavy rainfall. The increased moisture in warmer air and exceptionally warm sea temperatures around Dubai are cited as key contributors to the recent deluge.
Experts caution against attributing the heavy rainfall solely to cloud seeding, noting that this technique requires existing moisture in the atmosphere to work effectively. They warn that with ongoing climate change, extreme rainfall events like those witnessed in the UAE and Oman are likely to become more frequent and severe in various regions globally.
