Research suggests that a warmer climate is increasing the intensity of deadly downpours in Dubai.

Deadly Deluge in Dubai Linked to Climate Change

Recent devastating floods in Dubai and other parts of the Persian Gulf have been attributed to climate change, according to a new report. While scientists did not find definitive evidence of greenhouse gas-triggered warming in this particular event, circumstantial evidence points to a worsening impact of climate change on extreme weather events.

The World Weather Attribution team found that between 10% and 40% more rain fell in just one day last week, leading to the deaths of at least two dozen people in the region. The unprecedented rainfall paralyzed the bustling city of Dubai, with a record 11 inches falling in just 24 hours.

While computer simulations were not possible due to lack of data, analysis of past observations showed a significant increase in rainfall amounts, consistent with the impact of climate change. The report highlighted the role of El Nino in exacerbating the storm systems that caused the flooding, noting that such extreme events are becoming more frequent as the planet warms.

Despite speculation about cloud seeding as a factor in the heavy rainfall, the report dismissed this notion, emphasizing the role of human-caused climate change in the disaster. The study received praise from other climate scientists for its thorough assessment of the situation and its implications for future extreme weather events.

The findings underscore the urgent need for global action to mitigate the effects of climate change and prevent further disasters like the deadly deluge in Dubai.