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Dubai floods and the science behind cloud seeding

By: Natasha Archary

science behind cloud seeding
Image: Adobe Stock

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently under water after a year’s worth of rain lashed the desert country on Tuesday, 16 April.

Within hours, Dubai’s major highways, and airport was submerged, with abandoned and water logged vehicles lining the roads.

A years worth of rain was recorded in Dubai on Tuesday with 142 millimeters, and the UAE averages less than 200 millimeters of rainfall a year.

It’s no secret that the UAE have been experimenting with cloud seeding since the 90s, but what is cloud seeding and could this be to blame for the unexpected floods in Dubai, and other parts of the world?

Meteorologist and Weather Forecaster at the SA Weather Services (SAWS), Lehlohonolo Thobela joins Sizwe Dhlomo on Siz the World to break down cloud seeding.

@dailymail Shocking videos show how cars have filled with water, causing people to abandon their vehicles and swim to safety in Dubai following floods. More rain is expected today as people attempt to flee the country. #rain #rainfall #flood #car #escape #scary #dubai #dangerous #flee ♬ Hard News – DM Production

Listen to the conversation on Siz the World:

What is cloud seeding and how does it work?

Cloud seeding is a rain enhancement method which is designed to improve water shortage issues in dry regions like the UAE.

The aim of cloud seeding is to increase the amount of rainfall.

Dubai spent an estimated $20 million on cloud seeding initiatives between 2000 and 2002 to secure the city’s water shortfall.

Weather forecasters observe precipitation patterns in clouds and identify suitable clouds to “seed”, in order to increase rainfall, or possibly snow as Lehlohonolo explained.

Once the right cloud is identified, pilots then target these clouds with specialized aircrafts that are fitted with hygroscopic flares.

Each flare contains 1kg of salt material components which are shot into the clouds.

These seeding agents increase the density of the clouds, and make the capacity of that cloud too much to contain which results in rain.

Dubai’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has denied reports that it carried out cloud seeding prior to the heavy storms which resulted in the unusual floods.

Also read: Analysis: Is it safe to order on Shein and Temu?

Written by: Natasha



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