UAE receives highest ever rain since 1949

The Gulf state faced numerous challenges in managing the adverse weather conditions.

Saman SiddiquiApril 17, 2024

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UAE receives highest ever rain since 1949

United Arab Emirates (UAE) received a remarkable downpour on Tuesday, April 16, with the heaviest rainfall in the past 24 hours recorded since data collection began in 1949.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the highest rainfall was recorded in the “Khatm Al Shakla” area in Al Ain, measuring an astonishing 254 mm within less than 24 hours.

The NCM’s Shuwaib station last registered the highest rainfall was 287.6 mm on March 9, 2016.

The heavy rainfall brought life to a standstill in the Gulf state. This heavy downpour stands as an exceptional event in the UAE.

The unpreceded scenes of the downpour and its aftermath in different cities of the UAE are now doing rounds on social media.

for those wondering what it was like last night in #dubai, here's an excerpt.

driving back from the airport (after having picked up the in-laws).

this wasn't your typical rain. at all. pic.twitter.com/j9oL38qbbZ

— Selim Aykut 🔺 (@selimaykut) April 17, 2024

⛈️🌪🌩😮😳
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates….🌊

No One Can Stop Nature.
When Nature Interrupts, No One Can Stop.#Dubai #dubairain #Oman #OmanFloods #DubaiStorm #DubaiFlooding #DubaiAirport #dubaiweather #dubai #rain pic.twitter.com/xKMceFGYYO

— Sheikh Nabeel (@SheikhNabeel786) April 17, 2024

#dubaiweather #dubairains pic.twitter.com/N1Rs0bWdfG

— Raajeev Chopra (@Raajeev_Chopra) April 16, 2024

Major storm batters #Dubai and the #MiddleEast, setting rainfall records! Urgent flood warnings issued! Brace for an eventful 2024! 🌧️🌊#dubairain #dubaiflood #DubaiStorm #Dubaifloods pic.twitter.com/s741GdCU5N

— 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚 (@DeSi__kaTTa) April 17, 2024

Dubai, the Middle East’s financial centre, has been paralysed by torrential rain causing flash floods around the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and leaving 18 dead in Oman on Sunday and Monday.

On Tuesday amid the heavy rain, Dubai’s major international airport diverted all incoming flights.

“Due to the continued exceptional weather event currently being experienced in the UAE, Dubai International is temporarily diverting inbound flights due to arrive this evening… until the inclement situation improves,” a Dubai Airport spokesperson said.