In the wake of recent devastating downpours that wreaked havoc across Dubai and other emirates on April 16, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) finds itself on high alert as heavy to moderate rainfall is anticipated to hit the country starting Wednesday night.
The UAE, known for its arid climate, has been grappling with unprecedented weather patterns, with heavy thunderstorms battering the region earlier this month. Reports indicate that more than a year and a half’s worth of rain deluged the desert city-state of Dubai within a span of just a few hours, leading to widespread disruption and flooding.
According to data from the Khaleej Times, the country experienced its most substantial rainfall in a 24-hour period between April 15 and 16 since records began 75 years ago.
Weather experts from the UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) have warned of further spells of torrential rain expected to commence from Wednesday onwards. However, they assert that this round of rainfall is not projected to be as severe as the deluge witnessed on April 16.
Dr. Ahmed Habib, a meteorologist at the NCM, highlighted that the forthcoming weather situation will peak during May 2 and 3, stating, “This will not be like last time’s situation. This will be completely different.”
He explained that cloud formations originating in the south of Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra area will gradually move towards internal regions like Al Ain, with May 3 anticipated to mark the climax of the weather event.
While forecasts suggest a potential improvement in weather conditions over Friday and Saturday as low pressure systems move southward, Habib cautioned that light to moderate rainfall may persist during this period.
He further elucidated that the impending weather system will be influenced by an extension of surface low pressure from the Red Sea, accompanied by humid southeasterly winds. Additionally, an extension of low pressure in the upper atmosphere from the north will contribute to unstable weather conditions, with clouds expected to migrate from Saudi Arabia towards the UAE, particularly late Wednesday night.
As the nation braces for another bout of inclement weather, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impact of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
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