UAE witnesses record-breaking rains, highest in 75 years

'Khatm Al Shakla' in Al Ain witnessed 254.8mm of precipitation in less than 24 hours

Published: Wed 17 Apr 2024, 12:22 AM

Updated: Wed 17 Apr 2024, 9:33 AM

By
Web Desk

View of Burj Khaifa from Al Asayel Street. KT Photo: Rahul Gujjar

The UAE witnessed its heaviest rainfall in 75 years from late Monday through Tuesday night, surpassing any recorded precipitation since data collection began in 1949.

The weather department recorded the highest rainfall in the Khatm Al Shakla area in Al Ain, reaching 254 mm in less than 24 hrs. The National Centre of Meteorology said that the Shuwaib station had recorded 287.6 mm on March 9, 2016.

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The country witnessed several difficulties in managing the inclement weather, however, authorities and residents came together to ensure the safety of all.

The centre confirmed that the record rainfall that fell on the country during the past 24 hours until 9pm on Tuesday, April 16, is an exceptional event in the UAE's climate history since the start of recording climate data, and it is expected that the coming hours will witness the recording of larger amounts of rainfall.

This heavy rainfall is an exceptional event in the UAE that contributes to increasing the annual rainfall average in the UAE, as well as strengthening the country's groundwater reserves in general.

Unstable weather conditions impacted the country from Monday due to an extension of a "low surface pressure". Two waves of unstable weather moved across the country on Tuesday.

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