The National Center of Meteorology in the United Arab Emirates has denied carrying out cloud seeding operations before the heavy storms that caused flooding in places like Dubai. The organization stated that it did not dispatch pilots for seeding operations before or during the storm that hit the UAE on Tuesday.
Omar AlYazeedi, deputy director general of the NCM, clarified that they did not conduct any seeding operations during the event. He explained that cloud seeding must be done in the early stages of cloud formation before it starts raining, and it is ineffective during severe thunderstorm situations.
The UAE experienced an unusually heavy downpour on Tuesday, with more than 250 millimeters (10 inches) of rainfall in the Emirate of Al Ain and over 100 mm in places like Dubai. This amount of rainfall far exceeded the annual average for the region, which ranges between 140 to 200 mm.
The NCM’s statement came in response to a Bloomberg report suggesting that the heavy rains were partially due to cloud seeding. However, the NCM confirmed that while six pilots flew missions as part of regular protocol, they did not seed any clouds during the storm. The organization emphasized that they prioritize safety and do not conduct seeding operations during extreme weather events.
Cloud seeding has been a key strategy in the UAE’s efforts to address water shortages, with over 1,000 hours of seeding missions conducted annually since the 1990s. Despite the rise in rainfall in recent years, the UAE’s infrastructure and drainage systems were overwhelmed by the unprecedented downpours, leading to flooding in various areas including roads and the Dubai airport.
The UAE government’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority issued warnings ahead of the extreme weather conditions and advised residents to stay home and follow safety guidelines. The country is expected to see a further increase in precipitation due to climate change, with a projected 30% rise by 2080 according to a recent study.
As the UAE grapples with shifting weather patterns, the NCM continues to monitor and track incoming weather systems to ensure the safety of its citizens. The organization remains committed to its cloud seeding operations as part of its broader efforts to manage water resources in the region.