Never in 75 years, UAE experiences historic rainfall
UAE records the largest amount of rainfall in its modern history over the past 24 hours
In a historic weather event, the UAE witnessed its heaviest rainfall on record in just 24 hours on Tuesday.
Surpassing anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949, the downpour impacted numerous regions across the country.
The National Centre of Meteorology confirmed that the record rainfall that fell on the country during the past 24 hours until 9 pm on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, is an exceptional event in the UAE's climate history since the start of recording climate data, and it is expected that the coming hours will witness the recording of larger amounts of rainfall.
The centre said that so far, the highest rainfall was recorded in the "Khatm Al Shakla" area in Al Ain, reaching 254 mm in less than 24 hrs.
It is noteworthy that the NCM's Shuwaib station had recorded 287.6 mm on 2016/3/9 but this is the first time that urban areas are hit so badly.
This heavy rainfall is an exceptional event in the UAE that contributes to increasing the annual rainfall average in the UAE, as well as strengthening the country's groundwater reserves in general.
Dubai: Since the climate data recording began in 1949, the current rainfall in the United Arab Emirates is unprecedented. The National Center of Meteorology confirmed via online statements that the record-breaking rainfall that fell on the country within 24 hours, is an exceptional event in the climatic history of the UAE, with more rain expected in the coming days.
#Urgent | #Attenntion #Rain
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NCM's website quotes, "so far, the highest amount of rainfall has been recorded in the Khutum Al Shakla area in Al Ain, reaching 254.8 mm (10 inches) in less than 24 hours." However, the rainfall has not just effected roads and malls but also halted operations at the DXB time and again, forcing authorities to divert a few flights.
As the rain intensified across the United Arab Emirates, schools switched to online learning while government department employees were also told to work from home, except those whose presence is required in the office and in field.
Police and emergency personnel drove through the streets of Dubai, with their emergency lights shining across the flooded roads. Lightning flashed the Dubai sky, occasionally touching the tip of the Burj Khalifa, which is the world’s tallest building. The city’s driverless Metro network also saw disruptions and flooding, as commuters faced difficulty.