The United Arab Emirates and several Gulf countries are facing powerful downpours and thunderstorms, leading to widespread flooding in the cities of Dubai and Sharjah in northern UAE. Due to the severe weather, the country’s authorities have urged residents to be prepared for further calamities, as sandstorms are forecasted to follow the rains.
This is reported by Finway
Weather Risks for the Region
Meteorologists warn that in the coming days, there remains a serious threat of natural disasters for the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran. Sudden floods, hail, destructive winds, dust storms, tornadoes, and waterspouts are possible. According to forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, thunderstorms are expected to intensify and move south and east through Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq by March 26. The peak of the severe weather is anticipated when thunderstorms reach Iran and pass through the Arabian Peninsula from Thursday evening to Friday.
The southern regions of Iran, especially near the Strait of Hormuz, are expected to receive the highest amount of rainfall. On the night from Thursday to Friday, heavy rains and thunderstorms with gusty winds covered most of the UAE, causing dust storms. In response, the authorities have implemented emergency measures and issued safety warnings for the entire population.
Impact of Severe Weather on Oman and Causes of the Storm
Northern Oman is under heightened risk due to possible thunderstorms. The country’s meteorological service warns that intense rains could cause significant flooding in low-lying areas as early as this coming Friday.
“The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment urges the population to take precautions during the rains and limit car travel except in cases of urgent necessity.”
The UAE National Center of Meteorology explains that the cause of the abnormal amount of rainfall is an isolated cyclone, a slow-moving weather system that leads to prolonged rains. Additional moisture coming from the Arabian Sea contributes to the formation of thunderstorm clouds and enhances precipitation across the country.
March is traditionally considered one of the rainiest months in the UAE, while rainfall usually decreases in April. It is worth noting that in April 2024, powerful storms already resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people in Oman and the UAE, as well as transportation disruptions. In some areas, the amount of rainfall reached or exceeded the annual norm: in Khatm al-Shakla in Al Ain, over 25 centimeters of water fell within a day.
Global climate change is already leading to noticeable consequences: rising sea levels and increased coastal erosion have resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of square kilometers of land.