After devastating rain in UAE, more heavy rain is expected

More heavy rains are expected in the ‘climate change-hit’ United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the weather agency predicted moderate to heavy rain in the Gulf states from Wednesday night after this month’s devastating rains.

A massive storm hit the United Arab Emirates on April 16, dumping more than a year and a half of rain in the desert city-state of Dubai in a matter of hours, causing widespread disruption and flooding.

The country received the highest rainfall in just 24 hours between April 15 and 16 since records began 75 years ago.

According to Khaleej TimesMore rounds of torrential rain are expected from tomorrow and are not expected to be similar to the rainfall seen on April 16.

Citing a meteorologist from the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM), the publication reported that there will be moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms in the coming days.

Dr Ahmed Habib said the challenging weather conditions will peak during May 2 and 3.

“It will not be a situation like last time. This will be completely different. In the UAE, clouds will form in Al Dhafra area south of Abu Dhabi which will gradually move towards interior parts like Al Ain area. But May 3 will be the ‘peak’ of the situation,” he said.

According to the weather department forecast, the weather may improve on Friday and Saturday when the low pressure will gradually move towards the south, reducing the amount of clouds. However, light to moderate rain may still be seen during this period.

“The impact will also extend eastwards from Abu Dhabi due to local factors. However, another scenario will play out on Wednesday night.

Habib said the country will be affected by the extension of surface low pressure from the Red Sea as well as humid south-easterly winds.

“A similar extension of low pressure into the upper atmosphere from the north will also influence conditions.” He elaborated that as a result, clouds will move from Saudi Arabia towards the UAE, causing unstable weather conditions starting ‘late Wednesday night’.