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Dubai Drenched: Cloud Seeding or Climate Change? Experts Weigh In

Dubai Drenched: Cloud Seeding or Climate Change? Experts Weigh In

April 17, 2024

Dubai, UAE - Torrential rains pounded Dubai on Monday night, causing widespread disruption and flooding. Major highways and even Dubai International Airport were submerged, prompting the UAE government to urge residents to stay home and businesses to close.

The downpour, exceeding a year's worth of rain in some areas according to AP, raised questions about the cause. While a larger storm system traversing the Arabian Peninsula played a role, experts point to two potential contributing factors: climate change and cloud seeding.

Dubai Drenched: Cloud Seeding or Climate Change? Experts Weigh In

Climate Change Connection

Friederike Otto, a leading scientist specializing in climate change's impact on extreme weather, suggests human-caused climate change may have intensified the rainfall. "It's highly likely these destructive rains were exacerbated by global warming," Otto stated, as reported by AFP.

Dubai Drenched: Cloud Seeding or Climate Change? Experts Weigh In

Cloud Seeding: A Potential Factor

Dubai, along with the UAE, has employed cloud seeding techniques since 2002 to bolster water resources. This process involves dispersing chemicals or particles into clouds to stimulate precipitation.

Bloomberg suggests cloud seeding could be another factor. Citing meteorologist Ahmed Habib, they report that seeding missions occurred over the previous two days, potentially contributing to the heavy rainfall.

Dubai Drenched: Cloud Seeding or Climate Change? Experts Weigh In

Unveiling Dubai Rain's Cause

While a definitive cause remains unclear, the event highlights the complex interplay between weather patterns, climate change, and human intervention. Further investigation is needed to determine the precise roles each played in this extreme weather event.