Dubai’s Deluge Disaster

Dubai, a desert nation in the UAE, experienced flooding and tragically recorded 18 fatalities after a two-year volume of heavy rainfall fell in a single day on the 16th. While some attribute this weather disaster to Dubai’s artificial rain project, experts remain skeptical.

Artificial rain is a technology that manipulates clouds to create rainfall. It often uses chemicals like iodide, silver, or salt, known as cloud seeds. These particles cluster together in the clouds, converting into rain or snow.

Over the years, the UAE has conducted artificial rain experiments to solve water shortages, leading to speculation that these experiments might have caused the heavy rainfall.

However, according to an AP report on the 17th (local time), weather and climate experts believe that while artificial rain can create rainfall, it is unlikely to cause heavy downpours.

Ryan Maue, a former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) senior scientist, clarified, “I’m highly doubtful that the Dubai downpour was caused by cloud seeding. It’s unlikely to generate a deluge of approximately 6.3 inches (160mm) from such limited water vapor.” He further emphasized, “The dynamics of atmospheric weather are incredibly intricate and vast, making cloud seeding too inconsequential to induce heavy rain and floods. Cloud seeding merely accelerates the precipitation process within existing clouds; it does not possess the capability to generate rain in a dry atmospheric environment.

Michael Mann, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, explained, “Three low-pressure areas lined up like a train and moved along the jet stream in the Dubai area. This atmospheric movement extended across the Persian Gulf, resulting in the heavy rainfall observed.” He also emphasized that attributing the heavy rainfall solely to the artificial rain operation would overlook recent weather patterns and changes.

Furthermore, climatologists have identified climate change as the primary factor behind this intense rainfall. They have also cautioned that the frequency of droughts and floods is expected to rise significantly due to global warming.

Professor Friederike Otto from Imperial College London asserted, “Warmer air can retain greater moisture. Global precipitation levels are rising with rising temperatures attributable to climate change.” She underscored, “In discussions regarding heavy rainfall events, it’s imperative to address climate change. Fixating solely on artificial rain may lead to misconceptions.”