UAE Rain: Experts Predict 30% Increase in Rainfall and More Storms

UAE Experts Predict 30% Increase in Rainfall and More Storms Due to Climate Change

According to UAE experts, climate change is to blame for the country’s impending severe storms and sharp rise in rainfall. According to Dr. Mohammad Al Ebri, head of meteorology at the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), rainfall in the United Arab Emirates may increase by 20 to 30 percent in the ensuing decades. According to him, the 102 mm of rain that fell in April of last year was significantly more than the 48.9 mm average that was noted in April of 2003, indicating a significant change in the weather patterns.

Additionally, Dr. Al Ebri forecasted that by the end of the century, temperatures in the United Arab Emirates would rise by 1.7°C. He claimed that more frequent light storms with higher levels of rainfall, hail, floods, and lightning would result from this temperature increase. He underlined the importance of being ready since severe weather like the one that devastated the nation in April of this year could happen again.

The presentation from the NCM was a component of a larger conversation at a session called “Natural Disasters and Crisis Management,” which took place at the Dubai Police Officer’s Club. In order to ensure public safety, experts from a number of government agencies, including the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, and the National Emergency and Disasters Management Authority (NEDMA), discussed ways to manage the effects of flooding and heavy rainfall.

A special committee has been established in response to these forecasts in order to handle the issues of floods and future rainfall. This committee is responsible for creating workable solutions, such as improving emergency response and drainage systems. Representatives from the NCM, Dubai Police, and other important government agencies are on the committee.

Dubai’s deputy chief of police and public security, Lt. Gen. Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, emphasized the significance of acting swiftly and strategically to control these extreme weather occurrences. To achieve a successful recovery from such tragedies, he urged for increased community support, better early warning systems, and stronger government agency coordination.

The committee has also determined that, based on rainfall trends over the last four years, 14 strategic locations on Dubai’s roads are most vulnerable to flooding. These regions saw severe interruptions during the storm on April 16, including flooded streets and underground parking, halted transportation, and the closure of businesses. The installation of emergency pumps and upgrades to water drainage are two of the measures Dubai Municipality has undertaken to lessen potential flooding. According to Mohammed Al Danhani of the Dubai Municipality, both immediate and long-term fixes have already been implemented for roughly 90% of these issue locations.

Moreover, the experts recommended several measures to better prepare for future storms, including the establishment of a unified emergency hotline for the public, improvements in the first response system, and initiatives to educate the public on safety procedures during extreme weather events.

As the UAE faces the reality of more severe storms and rainfall in the future, these measures are crucial in safeguarding lives and minimizing disruptions caused by climate change-induced weather events.