UAE Announces Record Rainfall Following 27 Cloud-Seeding Missions
The Emirates witnessed a significant increase in rainfall last week, thanks to 27 cloud-seeding missions conducted within a span of five days.
UAE's Cloud-Seeding Efforts Boost Rainfall
Meteorological authorities reported that the recorded rainfall from this period matched levels observed three decades ago, with sudden heavy downpours causing flooding across the country. Dr. Ahmed Habib, a climate expert from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), shed light on the cloud-seeding operations, highlighting their role in enhancing rainfall.
According to Dr. Habib, the cloud-seeding missions targeted clouds with favorable conditions, such as strong updrafts and high humidity, resulting in increased precipitation. Notably, the eastern part of the country received 317mm of rainfall in 1988, whereas this year, the Umm Al Ghaf station recorded a maximum of 224.1mm. These efforts in cloud seeding contribute to an annual increase of at least 15 percent in rainfall, yielding a usable water supply ranging from 84 to 419 million cubic meters.
Despite the recent heavy rainfall, the UAE experienced a drier winter in December 2023 compared to previous years. Although precipitation was observed, it was not as intense as in previous years, with officials attributing the lower rainfall to pressure systems affecting both the surface and upper layers.
Dr. Habib explained the natural causes behind the recent heavy downpour, citing the influence of a low-pressure system from the Arabian Sea, accompanied by humid air masses and cold air masses in the upper layers. These factors led to the development of convective clouds across the UAE, resulting in substantial rainfall, particularly in the eastern region.
Regarding weather patterns in February and March, Dr. Habib noted the typical variations in temperature, with warm air masses preceding rainfall. Recently, a northwesterly wind from Saudi Arabia brought in a cold air mass, leading to temperature fluctuations across the UAE.
Overall, the UAE's cloud-seeding efforts, combined with natural weather phenomena, play a significant role in regulating rainfall patterns and addressing water scarcity challenges in the region.
