UAE records 2-year worth rain in 1 day: Why storm was less intense than 2024
After days of unsettled weather, large parts of the UAE have been drenched by rainfall that, in some areas, matched what the country typically receives over two years — yet experts say the nature of this storm makes it far less intense than the record-breaking event of 2024.From the western regions to the northern emirates, rain swept across the country in waves over nearly a week, bringing cooler temperatures, thunderstorms and rough sea conditions. The scale of the downpour has also renewed public curiosity about cloud seeding, though authorities have clarified that no such operations were carried out during this weather event.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.While the volume of rainfall has drawn comparisons with April 2024’s historic downpour, meteorologists stress that how the rain fell — spread out over several days rather than concentrated in a short span — has made a significant difference on the ground.Authorities have urged calm, noting that although conditions have ranged from moderate to severe at times, the system remains weaker overall.Residents can expect cloudy skies, occasional rainfall and strong winds to persist through midweek starting Tuesday, particularly in northern and eastern areas.Repeated rainfall over several daysDr Ahmed Habib, meteorologist at the NCM, told Khaleej Times on Monday, “that no cloud-seeding missions were conducted during the recent weather event, which was entirely natural".He explained that the rainfall was driven by a combination of atmospheric systems. “The situation was due to the extension of a low-pressure system at the surface level from the Arabian Sea towards our area, which brought a humid air mass into the lower layers,” he said. At the same time, an upper-level low-pressure system moved in from the Middle East towards the northern Gulf region.“This created both long and short wave activity,” he added. “We were affected by four short waves over several hours, followed by a mean wave towards the end of the period. The short waves brought repeated rainfall over several days, while the final mean wave led to heavier rain and thunder activity associated with a trough over the region.”According to Dr Habib, rainfall accumulated over five to six days across multiple parts of the UAE — starting from western regions and extending through Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra and Al Ain, before moving northwards to Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah — resulting in widespread precipitation.A noticeable drop in temperatures is expected, especially in western parts of the country, with cooler conditions continuing into midweek. Authorities say there is no need for heightened concern at this stage, given the weaker nature of the system.Heavier showers expected between Al Ain and DubaiLooking ahead, he said cloud cover is expected to persist through Wednesday noon due to continued upper-level low pressure. “There is a chance of rainfall — light to moderate, and at times heavy — across different parts of the UAE,” he said, noting that eastern and northern areas, including between Al Ain and Dubai, could see heavier showers.Northwesterly winds are expected to pick up by the afternoon, becoming fresh to strong. “Sea conditions will turn rough, and dust will be present in the air, especially in northern areas,” he said, advising caution for residents and fishermen until at least Wednesday, with rough seas continuing into Thursday.While last week’s conditions were moderate to severe, Dr Habib emphasised that rainfall over the coming days is not expected to reach the same intensity.Comparing the event to 2024, he highlighted a key difference in how the rain fell. “This time, rainfall occurred over nearly five days, whereas in 2024 the country received very high amounts within about a day and a half,” he said. “The total amounts may be comparable, but the ‘situations’ are completely different — last week’s rainfall came in multiple waves, while in 2024 it was concentrated in a single wave.”He also stressed that such weather patterns are not unusual. “We have seen similar events in 2004, 2016 and 2019, and many other years. This is typical of spring, which is marked by unstable weather conditions that can change quickly and sometimes become severe,” he said, noting that similar patterns occur across the wider Middle East, including in countries like Egypt.UAE weather this week: More rain, cooler temperatures expected Why last night’s rain didn’t stop: NCM explains ‘main wave’ behind UAE stormUp to 200mm in April 2024 vs 80mm now: UAE's NCM breaks down key differences
After days of unsettled weather, large parts of the UAE have been drenched by rainfall that, in some areas, matched what the country typically receives over two years — yet experts say the nature of this storm makes it far less intense than the record-breaking event of 2024.
From the western regions to the northern emirates, rain swept across the country in waves over nearly a week, bringing cooler temperatures, thunderstorms and rough sea conditions.
The scale of the downpour has also renewed public curiosity about cloud seeding, though authorities have clarified that no such operations were carried out during this weather event.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
While the volume of rainfall has drawn comparisons with April 2024’s historic downpour, meteorologists stress that how the rain fell — spread out over several days rather than concentrated in a short span — has made a significant difference on the ground.
Authorities have urged calm, noting that although conditions have ranged from moderate to severe at times, the system remains weaker overall.
Residents can expect cloudy skies, occasional rainfall and strong winds to persist through midweek starting Tuesday, particularly in northern and eastern areas.
Repeated rainfall over several days
Dr Ahmed Habib, meteorologist at the NCM, told Khaleej Times on Monday, “that no cloud-seeding missions were conducted during the recent weather event, which was entirely natural".
He explained that the rainfall was driven by a combination of atmospheric systems. “The situation was due to the extension of a low-pressure system at the surface level from the Arabian Sea towards our area, which brought a humid air mass into the lower layers,” he said. At the same time, an upper-level low-pressure system moved in from the Middle East towards the northern Gulf region.
“This created both long and short wave activity,” he added. “We were affected by four short waves over several hours, followed by a mean wave towards the end of the period. The short waves brought repeated rainfall over several days, while the final mean wave led to heavier rain and thunder activity associated with a trough over the region.”
According to Dr Habib, rainfall accumulated over five to six days across multiple parts of the UAE — starting from western regions and extending through Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra and Al Ain, before moving northwards to Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah — resulting in widespread precipitation.
A noticeable drop in temperatures is expected, especially in western parts of the country, with cooler conditions continuing into midweek. Authorities say there is no need for heightened concern at this stage, given the weaker nature of the system.
Heavier showers expected between Al Ain and Dubai
Looking ahead, he said cloud cover is expected to persist through Wednesday noon due to continued upper-level low pressure. “There is a chance of rainfall — light to moderate, and at times heavy — across different parts of the UAE,” he said, noting that eastern and northern areas, including between Al Ain and Dubai, could see heavier showers.
Northwesterly winds are expected to pick up by the afternoon, becoming fresh to strong. “Sea conditions will turn rough, and dust will be present in the air, especially in northern areas,” he said, advising caution for residents and fishermen until at least Wednesday, with rough seas continuing into Thursday.
While last week’s conditions were moderate to severe, Dr Habib emphasised that rainfall over the coming days is not expected to reach the same intensity.
Comparing the event to 2024, he highlighted a key difference in how the rain fell. “This time, rainfall occurred over nearly five days, whereas in 2024 the country received very high amounts within about a day and a half,” he said. “The total amounts may be comparable, but the ‘situations’ are completely different — last week’s rainfall came in multiple waves, while in 2024 it was concentrated in a single wave.”
He also stressed that such weather patterns are not unusual. “We have seen similar events in 2004, 2016 and 2019, and many other years. This is typical of spring, which is marked by unstable weather conditions that can change quickly and sometimes become severe,” he said, noting that similar patterns occur across the wider Middle East, including in countries like Egypt.
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