Last year, on April 15–16, 2024, Dubai, a city not typically known for bracing for heavy downpours, was taken by surprise as one of the most impenetrable rainfalls on record wreaked havoc across one of the busiest countries in the world.
Reports suggested that the highest 24-hour rainfall was close to 259.5 mm, setting a new all-time record for the UAE. This surpassed all previously documented data since climate record-keeping began in 1949, with the downpour impacting multiple regions across the country.
Back in the time, the National Centre of Meteorology had confirmed that the record rainfall recorded was an “exceptional event” in the UAE’s climate history.
While for many, it was a home-stuck situation, for some, worries were piling on, as businesses had also taken a hit. Indeed, for UAE residents, or even tourists for that matter, who were in the country, it was a memory that will always be remembered.
Recalling the same, Husain, a Sharjah resident, shared, “From April 15 until April 25, Sharjah’s Clock Tower area was completely underwater. As we reside on the 12th floor, we could see how slowly the vehicles were submerging in the floods. It was very tough as my car was one of the many cars that were sinking in water.”
Shahabuddin Khan, from Dubai’s Sports City, also shared a similar situation, mentioning that his family was “terrified” by the climatic conditions. “We were indoors for a good four days as the water was not ready to settle down. Thankfully, we had food stored up, so that was not a worry,” he recalled.
Social media was flooded as the UAE floods became a global headline
Atmospheric conditions behind the rare weather event
A study using data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts highlighted the atmospheric conditions behind this rare weather event. Researchers had found that a combination of strong moisture transport from the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf, along with enhanced low-level convergence and upper-level subtropical jet streams, created ideal conditions for deep convective cloud formation.
Meanwhile, the report further added that the presence of high convective available potential energy (CAPE) and a pronounced mid-level trough signaled a highly unstable atmosphere. These factors together triggered and sustained the extreme rainfall.
Luxury stores flooded, flights disrupted
What went instantly viral on the internet were glimpses from luxury malls. Social media users also had a worrisome reaction to many luxury cars being affected due to the floods. Water had almost taken over high-end stores like Chanel and Fendi, where the staff scrambled to clear the situation.
Other clips captured water rushing into the Flying Tiger showroom and ankle-deep water at a Dubai’s Metro stations. Popular shopping destinations, including Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, were affected.
Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, was also hit hard with its runway all wet, forcing a temporary halt in operations and diverting several flights.
For residents, it’s a moment to recall, as this situation clocks a year. “Surprisingly, as the weather has been cloudy and gloomy today, I developed a fear that we’re all getting ready for the same situation as 2024. Hopefully, the UAE must never see such a situation ever again,” Raj Shamshi told The Finance 360.
Supplied
