In a swift turn of events, heavy rains made a comeback to the United Arab Emirates, causing Emirates to cancel and delay numerous flights in and out of Dubai, one of the world's busiest airports. The resurgence of inclement weather comes just a fortnight after record-breaking rainfall led to devastating floods in various parts of the country and neighboring Oman – a calamity that claimed the lives of at least four individuals in the UAE and caused chaos in Dubai.
Videos circulating from Ras Al-Khaimah showcased the fierce winds bending palm trees while the torrential downpour turned roads into rivers and the skies illuminated with lightning bolts. Although not as severe as the previous deluge, Dubai received a substantial 20 millimeters of rain within a span of 12 hours, surpassing its typical combined April and May rainfall. Similarly, Abu Dhabi witnessed 34 mm of rain in just 24 hours, a stark departure from its usual precipitation levels for the same period.
In contrast to the previous crisis, residents seemed more prepared this time around. Streets were being preemptively cleared of debris, and crucial drainages were being unclogged ahead of the expected downpour. Mobile phones across the city buzzed with emergency alerts advising individuals to shelter in place wherever feasible. Authorities swiftly issued directives for remote work and study in affected regions, closed off flood-prone routes, and cautioned against venturing into mountainous, desert, or coastal areas.
Experts have connected the unprecedented downpours in the UAE and Oman to the impacts of climate change. Research conducted by a team of 21 scientists and researchers attributed the intensified rainfall events in both countries to global warming, emphasizing that these occurrences are becoming 10 to 40% more severe due to climate change. During the recent extreme weather event that unfolded in less than 24 hours, the UAE bore witness to its heaviest rainfall in over seven decades, with Dubai receiving an equivalent of more than a year and a half's worth of rain in that short span.