More heavy rainfall is expected in the 'climate change-hit' United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the weather agency forecast moderate to heavy showers in the gulf states from Wednesday night, after this month's devastating downpours.
Heavy thunderstorms lashed UAE on April 16, dumping more than a year and a half’s rain on the desert city-state of Dubai in just a few hours leading to widespread disruption and flooding.
The country encountered its most substantial rainfall in only 24 hours between April 15 and 16, since records commenced 75 years ago.
As per Khaleej Times, more spells of torrential rain are expected from tomorrow and it is not anticipated to be the same as the rainfall encountered on April 16.
Citing a weather expert from UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the publication has reported that the days ahead will witness moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and thunder.
Dr Ahmed Habib said that the challenging weather situation will peak during May 2 and 3.
“This will not be like last time’s situation. This will be completely different. The UAE will see cloud formation in the south of Abu Dhabi in Al Dhafra area that’ll gradually move towards the internal parts like Al Ain area. But May 3 will be the ‘peak’ of the situation,” he said.
As per the Met Department forecasts, the weather might improve over Friday and Saturday when the low pressure will move gradually towards the south, subsequently decreasing the amount of cloud. However, light to moderate rain can still be witnessed during this period.
“The influence will also stretch eastward from Abu Dhabi due to local factors. However, on Wednesday night, another scenario will unfold.”
Habib pointed out that the country will be impacted by an extension of surface low pressure from the Red Sea, accompanied by humid southeasterly winds.
“A similar low-pressure extension in the upper atmosphere from the north will also impact the conditions.” He elaborated that consequently, clouds will migrate from Saudi Arabia towards the UAE, commencing unstable weather conditions ‘late Wednesday night’.