Flooding Takes Over Dubai After Record Rainfall
Dubai saw unprecedented flooding on April 16th after over 6 inches of rain fell in just 24 hours – equivalent to over 2 years’ worth of precipitation. Sensors at Dubai International Airport recorded 6.26 inches of rainfall between 10pm on April 15th and 10pm on April 16th, far surpassing the city’s average annual rainfall of 3.12 inches.
“Dubai woke up under water after flooding covered main roads and residential communities following the record downpour,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno. Videos and images showed vehicles nearly submerged on major highways with only their roofs visible. The unprecedented rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems, stranding many residents.
Dubai International Airport had to temporarily divert some inbound flights due to the conditions. “It was utter chaos with the air and road travel,” recalled Dubai resident Ahmed Shafiq. “I’ve never seen flooding this bad, even after hurricanes back home in Florida.” The rain is estimated to have caused over $100 million in damages across the city.
Dubai typically receives under an inch of rain on average in April, with over 90% of its annual precipitation falling between November to March. However, climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall worldwide. “These kinds of extreme one-day rainfall totals have become more common in a warming world,” noted Dr. Michael Mann of Pennsylvania State University. “As the oceans and atmosphere continue to heat up, events like this will only grow more severe.”
When the Rains Came: Dubai Struggles with Flooding
The unprecedented rainfall that pummeled Dubai on April 16th exposed vulnerabilities in the city’s infrastructure. Low-lying areas transformed into lakes overnight, stranding residents and submerging vehicles. “I’ve never seen so much water in my life,” remarked long-time Dubai resident Aisha Abdul. “The street outside my apartment became a river.”
The flooding caused widespread disruptions, including flight diversions at Dubai International Airport. “With over 6 inches of rain in just 24 hours, the drainage systems couldn’t keep up at all,” noted AccuWeather’s Rayno. Schools and many businesses were forced to close for safety reasons. Initial estimates put the financial toll over $100 million.
As recovery efforts continue, questions remain about preparedness and climate risks. “Extreme rainfall will only increase with warming,” warned climate scientist Dr. Michael Mann. “We must upgrade infrastructure and prepare for more frequent disasters.” Going forward, Dubai aims to invest in better drainage to handle intensifying downpours. But the current crisis shows the challenges of adapting to a new climate reality.
