The recent rain event in the UAE brought heavy rains and thunderstorms, with the Al Dhafrah region in Abu Dhabi receiving the maximum rainfall on May 2. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued an orange alert, leading some residents to stay home and students to switch to distance learning to avoid the downpours and strong winds. Waterfalls gushed out in the north as dark rain clouds hovered over the mountains. The rainfall recorded in Al Dhafrah reached 72.3 mm, followed by Majil Bada Thalab and Abu Al-Abyad areas with 67.9 mm and 58.5 mm respectively.
The 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. By May 3, the weather conditions had improved, with clear skies in most parts of the country. The influence of the Siberian high pressure is expected to diminish as depressions impact the region from both the east and west, potentially bringing light to medium rain.
Record-breaking 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 since records began in 1949, with a total of 6.04 billion cubic meters of rain recorded. With rainfall exceeding 100 mm within 24 hours at numerous locations, the country struggled with flooding, affecting highways, residences, and vital infrastructure. More than four stations recorded over 200.0 mm of rain on that day, marking the most significant rainfall event in the past 75 years.
As a result of the extreme weather event on April 16, the UAE braced for challenging weather conditions on May 2, with relevant authorities in different emirates deploying tankers, mobile pumps, and machinery to address potential challenges. The readiness of the nation after the record-breaking rainfall was evident as preparations were made to handle further unstable weather conditions. The NCM shared data on rainfall across different regions of the country during the rainy spell from May 1 to May 2, with notable precipitation in the Al Dhafrah area.
In Dubai, Expo 2020 received 38.1 mm of rainfall during last week’s rainfall. Dr. Habib, a weather expert at the NCM, explained that during this month, depressions impacting the region from both the east and west could bring light to medium rain. With the potential for heavy rain in southern and eastern regions, the influence of the Siberian high pressure is expected to diminish. The NCM continues to monitor weather conditions and provide updates to ensure the safety of residents and communities.
In conclusion, the recent rain event in the UAE brought significant rainfall to the Al Dhafrah region in Abu Dhabi, with preparations in place to address potential challenges from unstable weather conditions. The country continues to monitor weather patterns and provide updates to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Despite the record-breaking rainfall on April 16, the nation remains vigilant and ready to respond to future weather events. Stay updated with the latest news and follow relevant authorities for updates on weather conditions.
