The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) in the United Arab Emirates denied reports that it had carried out cloud seeding operations before heavy storms hit the country, leading to flooding in areas such as Dubai. The organization stated that it did not conduct any seeding operations during the storm that struck on Tuesday, emphasizing that cloud seeding is typically done before rainfall begins. The UAE experienced its heaviest downpour on record during the storm, with over 250 millimeters of rainfall in some areas, far exceeding the average yearly rainfall of 140 to 200 millimeters.
Cloud seeding is a technique used to enhance rainfall and has been a key part of the UAE’s efforts to address water shortages since the 1990s. Over 1,000 hours of cloud seeding operations are conducted annually in the country. Despite reports suggesting that cloud seeding may have contributed to the heavy rainfall on Tuesday, the NCM confirmed that no seeding operations were carried out during the storm, attributing the rainfall to natural weather patterns. The NCM emphasized that the safety of pilots and aircraft involved in cloud seeding missions is a top priority, and that operations are not conducted during extreme weather events.
The UAE has seen an increase in rainfall in recent years, with expectations of a 15-30% increase in precipitation in the future, according to a report from the science journal Nature. This change in weather patterns is linked to climate change, as the traditionally arid desert climate of the UAE has experienced shifts over time. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority issued warnings ahead of the storm, advising residents to stay home and follow safety guidelines in response to the unstable weather conditions.
The infrastructure and buildings in the UAE are designed to withstand minimal rainfall typical of the region, leading to challenges when faced with heavy downpours like those experienced on Tuesday. Drainage systems struggled to cope with the unprecedented rainfall, resulting in flooded roads and airports, disrupting the country’s operations. The UAE government is working to address the impact of climate change on the country’s weather patterns and infrastructure to better prepare for future events. Although cloud seeding is used as a tool to enhance rainfall in the country, the NCM’s denial of conducting operations during the recent storm underscores the complexities of weather modification techniques and their impact on natural weather patterns.
