Dubai’s record rainfall, with 1.5 years of rain in 24 hours. What caused this record-breaking rainfall in the UAE?

UAE’s Record Rainfall Sparks Chaos: Unprecedented Deluge Hits

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently experienced an unprecedented meteorological event, witnessing an extraordinary deluge that set a new record for the most substantial rainfall recorded within a 24-hour period until 9 pm on Tuesday. This surpasses any documented precipitation event since data collection began in 1949, affecting various regions across the nation, according to the UAE Centre of Meteorology.

The heavy rains, equivalent to 1.5 years’ worth of precipitation in a single day, have caused severe flooding in Dubai, with approximately 5 inches (127 mm) of rainfall inundating the area within a 24-hour period, according to climate scientist Colin McCarthy. He attributes the intense rainfall to multiple rounds of thunderstorms forming off the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. Climatologist Friederike Otto also suggests that human-caused climate change likely exacerbated the extreme rainfall in the UAE and other regions.

Remarkably, the highest rainfall was recorded in the “Khatm Al Shakla” locality in Al Ain, reaching an astonishing 254 mm in less than 24 hours. This significant downpour marks a historic event in the UAE’s meteorological history, contributing to an elevation in the country’s annual rainfall average and bolstering its groundwater reservoirs.

In response to the adverse weather conditions, the Ajman Department of Human Resources has declared the continuation of remote work for government employees on Wednesday, April 17, recognizing the ongoing inclement weather.

Dubai Airport temporarily shut down operations, and Etihad Airways issued a statement cautioning passengers about potential flight delays due to heavy rains affecting Abu Dhabi on April 17. Additionally, operations at Dubai International Airport were briefly suspended for 25 minutes on Tuesday due to an intense storm, with subsequent resumption reported by the airport authorities.

Dubai, known as the Middle East’s financial hub, faced significant disruptions as the torrential rain led to widespread flooding not only in the city but also across the UAE and Bahrain. The adverse weather conditions, which claimed 18 lives in Oman, prompted the suspension of numerous flights and caused logistical challenges, including flooded access roads to Dubai Airport.

Many regions in the emirate had already announced online schooling for Tuesday and Wednesday.

The safety and comfort of travelers remain a top priority for Etihad Airways, which will be working closely with affected passengers to assist them with changes to their itineraries and ensure they reach their final destination. Regular updates on flight departures are available on etihad.com.