Dubai's wettest day in history: 1.5 years of rain in 24 hours. What's behind UAE's record rainfall? (2024)

In an unprecedented meteorological occurrence, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has witnessed an extraordinary deluge, marking the most substantial rainfall recorded within 24 the hours until 9 pm on Tuesday. This surpasses any documented precipitation event since the inception of data collection in 1949, affecting various regions across the nation, according to UAE Centre of Meteorology. One person was reported to be dead due to the unprecedented rains in the UAE.

What is causing the rains?

Dubai is grappling with severe flooding, as the amount of rain received in a single day equals what typically falls over the span of 1.5 years, according to climate scientist Colin McCarthy. Approximately 5 inches (127 mm) of rainfall inundated the area within a 24-hour period, he said. The climate scientist the heavy rains in the region to multiple rounds of intense thunderstorms forming off the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. Climatologist Friederike Otto said the extreme rainfall in UAE and other regions was likely that global warming played a part.

Read More: Dubai Floods: Flights Disrupts as Airport Terminals and Runways got Waterlogged

"It is highly likely that the deadly and destructive rain in Oman and Dubai was made heavier by human-caused climate change," said Otto told AFP.

Reuters

Cars submerged due to heavy rains in Dubai. Reuters photo)

Remarkably, the highest rainfall was registered in the "Khatm Al Shakla" locality in Al Ain, reaching an astonishing 254 mm in less than 24 hours. This substantial downpour represents a significant event in the UAE's meteorological history, contributing to an elevation in the country's annual rainfall average and bolstering its groundwater reservoirs.

In response to the adverse weather conditions, the Ajman Department of Human Resources has declared the continuation of remote work for government employees on Wednesday, April 17, acknowledging the ongoing inclement weather.

Dubai airport shut temporarily

Operations at Dubai International Airport were briefly suspended for 25 minutes on Tuesday due to an intense storm.

Dubai Airport has issued alerts advising passengers to avoid non-essential travel due to severe weather conditions causing operational difficulties. The airport urged travelers to refrain from visiting unless absolutely necessary, citing ongoing flight delays and diversions resulting from record rainfall in the emirate. Airport authorities emphasized their continuous efforts to restore normal operations despite the challenging circ*mstances.

Emirates airline has halted check-in services at Dubai International Airport (DXB) for all April 17 flights, citing safety concerns and operational disruptions. Passengers have been encouraged to reach out to the airline for assistance and options for rebooking.

Meanwhile, flydubai announced the partial resumption of operations at DXB, with a selection of outbound flights departing from Terminal 2. A gradual return to full scheduled operations was anticipated, commencing from Terminal 3 after midnight.

Dubai, renowned as the Middle East's financial hub, encountered significant disruptions as the torrential rain led to widespread flooding not only in the city but also across the UAE and Bahrain. The adverse weather conditions, which claimed 18 lives in Oman, prompted the suspension of numerous flights and caused logistical challenges, including flooded access roads to Dubai Airport.

Many regions in the emirate had already announced online schooling for Tuesday and Wednesday.

In Video: UAE witnesses the heaviest rainfall since 1949; authorities issue 'unsettled weather' warning

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