In the wake of unprecedented rainfall and widespread flooding across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman, questions and speculations have arisen regarding the role of cloud seeding in inducing the thunderous downpours. Social media buzzed with theories linking the extraordinary precipitation to cloud seeding, a technique used to stimulate rainfall by dispersing substances into clouds, but experts are pointing to climate change as the primary driver behind these extreme weather events.
The recent storm, which initially hit Oman before striking the UAE with intensity, brought chaos and disruption, knocking out power and causing significant flooding in urban areas like Dubai. The UAE experienced record-breaking rainfall, with authorities describing it as a “historic weather event” surpassing all previous data since 1949, before the discovery of oil in the Gulf region.
Dubai, normally accustomed to minimal rainfall, received over 142mm (5.59 inches) of rain in a matter of hours—far exceeding its average annual precipitation of about 76mm (3 inches). Similarly, Oman witnessed a deluge, with areas like Muscat receiving around 230mm (9 inches) of rain within a few days, a stark contrast to its typical annual rainfall of about 100mm (4 inches).
While cloud seeding has been suggested as a potential cause for the intense rainfall, experts caution against attributing the storms solely to this technique. Instead, they point to broader climate patterns influenced by climate change, including warmer sea temperatures and altered atmospheric conditions, which can lead to more frequent and intense rainfall events.
Climate change has been linked to an increase in extreme weather phenomena globally, and the Gulf region is not immune to these impacts. Rising sea levels, warmer oceans, and shifting weather patterns contribute to more intense and unpredictable storms, posing significant challenges for infrastructure and urban resilience.
While cloud seeding is a technique used to enhance precipitation, experts emphasize that the recent catastrophic rainfall in the UAE and Oman is likely driven by broader climate trends associated with climate change. Understanding and addressing these underlying environmental factors are crucial for mitigating future risks and building climate-resilient communities in the face of escalating weather extremes.