Top 3 areas in the UAE that experienced the most rainfall last week – News

The recent rainfall in the UAE on May 2 was not as intense as the one on April 16, with significant weather events unlikely in the near future, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The Al Dhafrah region in Abu Dhabi received the maximum rainfall on May 2, with other areas also experiencing heavy rains and thunderstorms.

Last Thursday, heavy rains and thunderstorms hit the UAE, prompting the NCM to issue an orange alert. Some residents stayed home, while students switched to distance learning. Those who ventured out early in the morning faced downpours and strong winds. In the north, waterfalls gushed out as dark rain clouds hovered over the mountains.

Dr. Habib, a weather expert at the NCM, stated that Al Dhafra in Abu Dhabi registered the highest precipitation, with 72.3 mm of rainfall. This was followed by the Majil Bada Thalab and Abu Al-Abyad areas, which received 67.9 mm and 58.5 mm of rainfall, respectively.

Comparing the two rain occurrences, it was noted that the rainfall on May 2 was not as intense as the one on April 16. By May 3, the weather conditions had improved, with clear skies in most parts of the country. The impact of the Ghadir depression on the UAE had ended, and the NCM shared data on rainfall across different regions of the country during the rainy spell from May 1 to May 2, 2024.

During the recent rainfall, Expo 2020 in Dubai received 38.1 mm of rainfall. Dr. Habib explained that the influence of the Siberian high pressure would diminish this month as depressions impact the region from both the east and west. When these depressions are accompanied by the extension of westerly upper air troughs, cloud cover tends to increase, raising the likelihood of light to medium rain, potentially heavy in only southern and eastern regions.

In contrast, record rainfall struck the Arabian peninsula on April 16, resulting in flooding in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and other coastal cities. This event marked the most severe occurrence of its kind in the UAE since records began in 1949, with a total of 6.04 billion cubic meters of rain recorded. The country normally receives around 6.7 billion cubic meters of rainfall annually.

With rainfall exceeding 100 mm within 24 hours at numerous locations, the country struggled with unparalleled flooding, affecting highways, residences, and vital infrastructure. Relevant authorities in different emirates deployed tankers, mobile pumps, and a range of machinery to address potential challenges.

Overall, while the recent rainfall in the UAE was significant, it was not as intense as the record-breaking event on April 16. The country remains prepared to handle any future weather challenges that may arise.