The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced a historic downpour, marking the heaviest rainfall event in the nation's recorded history since data collection began in 1949. This exceptional weather phenomenon, which began late Monday and continued through Tuesday night, inundated various regions across the country.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed the unprecedented nature of the rainfall, highlighting that the amount surpassed all previously documented precipitation. Al Ain's Khatm Al Shakla area received the highest volume of rain, reaching a staggering 254 millimeters within a 24-hour timeframe. While an earlier record of 287.6 millimeters was set in Shuwaib in March 2016, the NCM clarified that this measurement included hail, whereas the current event solely measured rainfall.
The deluge caused widespread disruption, with floodwaters inundating major highways and even impacting Dubai International Airport. As a precautionary measure, authorities temporarily suspended all departing Flydubai flights until Wednesday morning. Additionally, schools across the UAE proactively closed in anticipation of the severe weather.
While the lack of regular rainfall meant that many areas lacked proper drainage systems, leading to flooding, the long-term implications of this event are expected to be positive. The NCM anticipates that the substantial rainfall will significantly contribute to boosting the UAE's overall annual rainfall average. Moreover, this unprecedented downpour is expected to replenish the country's groundwater reserves, a vital resource in the arid region.
Experts attribute this weather anomaly to an extension of a low surface pressure system. The UAE's location within a subtropical desert zone typically translates to scorching temperatures and minimal precipitation. However, occasional weather patterns can cause temporary deviations from the norm. The current weather event serves as a stark reminder of the potential for dramatic shifts in weather patterns, even in historically arid regions.