UAE weather center denies cloud seeding during torrential rain

Dubai: The UAE's weather bureau has clarified that no cloud seeding missions were conducted during Tuesday's torrential rain, dispelling speculations regarding the role of the country's cloud seeding program in the heavy downpour.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed that its seeding planes did not approach the storm responsible for the heavy rain. It emphasized the basic principles of cloud seeding, highlighting the need to target clouds in their early stages to be effective.

Despite reports attributing seeding operations to the NCM, the bureau clarified that the planes had only taken samples in the days leading up to the storm and had not engaged in cloud seeding. Safety considerations prohibit seeding planes from operating during severe weather events.

The torrential rain was caused by the convergence of warm and humid air masses from the Arabian Sea with a cold air mass from the northwest, resulting in instability and towering convective clouds over the UAE.

The heavy rainfall brought chaos to parts of the UAE, flooding homes, submerging cars and disrupting travel. Official figures revealed that the country received more rain since Sunday than it typically expects over several decades.

While the rain has ceased, the UAE is set to experience more stable weather in the coming days. The NCM's cloud seeding program, aimed at enhancing rain, continues to operate from Al Ain, with ongoing research to determine its true impact.