Recent extreme weather in Dubai, which saw unprecedented rainfall and flooding, has sparked discussions about cloud seeding and its effects. Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that involves injecting substances like silver iodide into clouds to enhance precipitation. Initiated in the 1990s in the UAE, this method aims to alleviate water scarcity by increasing rainfall. However, it’s important to note that cloud seeding requires specific conditions and cannot create rain from clear skies or significantly alter existing weather patterns.

The Reality of Recent Weather Events in Dubai

Contrary to social media speculation, the historic rainfall in Dubai was not a result of cloud seeding activities. The UAE’s National Centre for Meteorology confirmed that no seeding operations were conducted during the period of the storm’s development. Instead, the flooding was caused by a slow-moving storm system that picked up vast amounts of moisture from the tropics, a situation exacerbated by climate change. This storm was part of a natural weather pattern that had been predicted days in advance by meteorological models.

The Role of Climate Change in Extreme Weather

The increasing frequency and intensity of weather events like those witnessed in Dubai can be attributed to climate change. Experts point out that the warmer sea temperatures around Dubai and a higher atmospheric capacity to retain moisture contribute to heavier rainfall. These conditions are becoming more common globally as temperatures rise, leading to more severe weather phenomena. It is essential to dispel myths such as the impact of cloud seeding on such large-scale weather events to focus on real solutions and adaptations to the changing climate.