United Arab Emirates (UAE) – On Tuesday, April 16, the United Arab Emirates experienced an unprecedented deluge, marking the heaviest rainfall in the past 24 hours since data collection began in 1949. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported that the highest precipitation was recorded in the “Khatm Al Shakla” area in Al Ain, measuring an astonishing 254 mm within less than 24 hours.
This record-breaking rainfall surpassed the previous high set at the NCM’s Shuwaib station, which registered 287.6 mm on March 9, 2016. The UAE faced significant challenges in managing the adverse weather conditions. However, authorities and residents worked together effectively to ensure everyone’s safety.
The NCM emphasized that this extraordinary event is unparalleled in the UAE’s climate history, significantly impacting the nation’s groundwater reserves and contributing to an increase in the annual rainfall average. The agency anticipates even larger amounts of rainfall in the hours to come.
These unstable weather conditions, attributed to an extension of a “low surface pressure,” have affected the country since Monday. On Tuesday, two waves of unsettled weather swept across the UAE, bringing about this historic downpour.
The remarkable rainfall stands as a testament to the resilience and collaboration of UAE residents and authorities in the face of extreme weather events. The nation continues to monitor the situation closely as it adapts to these unprecedented climate occurrences.
