Rain in Dubai: Everything you need to know about cloud seeding that can cause floods

The state-run WAM news agency called the rainfall “a historic weather event”, exceeding any documented since the beginning of data collection in 1949.

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman also received rain on Tuesday.

The widespread rainfall in the UAE is believed to have been caused by “cloud seeding”, among other factors.

The emirate’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) reportedly conducted six or seven cloud-seeding flights ahead of the rainfall that wreaked havoc in Dubai, according to NCM meteorologists quoted in multiple media reports.

What is cloud seeding?

Cloud seeding is a type of weather modification where substances such as silver iodide or dry ice are spread into clouds to encourage precipitation such as rain or snow.

In countries such as the United Arab Emirates, where temperatures are high and annual rainfall is minimal, cloud seeding is used to reduce pressure on limited groundwater sources by increasing rainfall.

How does cloud seeding work?

Cloud seeding is a technique in which “seeding agents” such as silver iodide or salt are introduced into clouds to encourage condensation and speed up precipitation.

Weather forecasters monitor atmospheric conditions and identify clouds suitable for seeding based on precipitation patterns. This technology can increase rainfall by 30-35 percent in clear conditions and by 10-15 percent in more humid conditions.

What is UAE’s cloud seeding program?

The UAE began its cloud seeding program in the late 1990s, making it one of the first Middle Eastern countries to use this technology. Collaborative research with institutions such as the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and NASA has fueled their efforts.

The UAE established the “UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science” (UAREP) in 2015 to address water security challenges.

According to UAEREP, the emirate’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has established a national network of 86 Automatic Weather Stations (AWOS), six weather radars covering the entire UAE and one upper air station to monitor the weather.

It has also created a climate database and assisted in the development of high-precision numerical weather forecasting and simulation software in the UAE.

The UAEREP website further explained that currently, NCM operates four Beechcraft King Air C90 aircraft equipped with the latest technologies and equipment employed for cloud seeding and atmospheric research from Al Ain Airport.

What is the environmental impact of cloud seeding?

Cloud seeding changes the rainfall pattern of a region/place. This could have negative impacts on neighboring ecosystems, which were originally supposed to receive rain to seed clouds.

Introduction of seeding agents can affect the natural hydrological cycle as it can alter natural soil moisture levels, groundwater recharge and river flow.

Some experts are concerned about the potential for silver poisoning if cloud seeding becomes widespread. Silver iodide is a common seeding agent. Silver toxicity can pose a threat to aquatic life and soil health.

Therefore, despite the promise of cloud seeding, responsible management and a thorough assessment of its environmental impacts are important.

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Published: April 17, 2024, 05:11 PM IST