Recent rains in the UAE have been influenced by a series of 22 cloud-seeding missions carried out since June, as revealed by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Anticipate more rainfall in the upcoming days, particularly in areas such as Fujairah, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Dubai. Dr. Ahmed Habib from the NCM clarified that cloud-seeding operations are aimed at enhancing existing rain-bearing clouds, not creating rain from scratch. Learn about the process of cloud-seeding and its role in bolstering a cloud’s capacity to produce rain.
Cloud-seeding missions, which involve deploying salt flares into convective clouds, have been a consistent strategy in the UAE since the late 1990s. The NCM’s cloud-seeding efforts have intensified over the years, contributing to the country’s rain enhancement initiatives.
The Indian monsoon’s impact on the region during this season has led to varied weather patterns. Expect convective cloud formations associated with rainfall, often accompanied by lightning and thunder. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is influencing the region, leading to the formation of local rainy convective clouds due to rising daytime temperatures.
Dr. Ahmed Habib elaborated on the recent rainstorms in the UAE. The country experienced these storms due to the extension of easterly flow associated with low pressure systems. This flow introduced a humid air mass from the Oman Sea and the Arabian Sea, resulting in the formation of convective clouds. These clouds were characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and even hail, primarily affecting the eastern and southern regions.
The NCM continues to engage in cloud-seeding operations to maximize rain-bearing clouds’ potential. While cloud-seeding cannot create rain from scratch, it plays a crucial role in enhancing rainfall. This strategy, coupled with the natural weather phenomena like the Indian monsoon and the ITCZ, contributes to the UAE’s overall rainfall patterns and water resource management.
As the UAE experiences a series of cloud-seeding missions and benefits from natural weather influences, the nation remains committed to its rain enhancement efforts. Stay informed about the latest weather developments and their impact on the UAE‘s climate by following the updates from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).