Dubai, known for its arid climate and minimal rainfall, has been experiencing an unprecedented bout of irregular weather patterns recently. The city, located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been inundated with extremely high rainfall and hailstorms, leading to unexpected flooding and disruptions across the region.
The sudden onset of heavy rain caught residents of Dubai and other parts of the UAE off guard, as the city is not accustomed to such weather conditions. Government authorities swiftly responded to the situation by issuing advisories and implementing precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
One significant measure taken was the directive for government employees to work from home until February 13th, Tuesday. Additionally, the UAE’s educational authority announced the continuation of distance learning in all government schools on February 13th, acknowledging the need to prioritize safety amidst the inclement weather.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued red and amber alerts, warning of continued wet weather and potential hazards associated with the heavy rainfall. Hailstorms were reported in various parts of Abu Dhabi, further exacerbating the weather-related challenges faced by residents.
Reports from local news outlets such as Khaleej Times and Gulf News highlighted the extent of the weather phenomenon, with heavy rainfall recorded in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. In some areas, the intensity of the rainfall resulted in the formation of streams of rainwater in valleys, posing additional risks to residents and motorists.
The sudden downpour caused flood-like situations in Dubai, with streets and roads submerged under water. Motorists navigated through flooded roads, while some vehicles were stranded due to the inability of drainage systems to cope with the volume of water. The National Center of Meteorology issued an orange weather alert, indicating the continuation of unstable weather conditions across the UAE.
Residents of Dubai woke up to the sound of thunderclaps and lightning early on Monday morning, signaling the onset of the unusual weather event. The weather disturbance was attributed to “an extension of an upper air depression, accompanied by a cold air mass, and a westerly air current, with different amounts of clouds flowing over the country from the West,” according to the NCM.
In response to the adverse weather conditions, road and public service departments across the seven emirates issued safety advisories for motorists traveling in rain-affected areas. Concerns were also raised when lightning struck the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest man-made structure, further highlighting the severity of the weather event.
Despite the challenges posed by the inclement weather and flooding, preparations continue for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming two-day visit to the UAE on February 13th. This visit, Modi’s seventh to the UAE since 2015, holds significance as he is set to inaugurate the BAPS temple, the first traditional Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. The temple, situated on 27 acres of land generously gifted by the UAE leadership, symbolizes the strong cultural ties between India and the UAE.
As Dubai grapples with the aftermath of unprecedented rainfall and flooding, residents and authorities remain vigilant, prioritizing safety and taking necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the adverse weather conditions.
