What Caused The UAE Storms & Torrential Rain? NCM Confirms There Was Cloud Seeding

Extensive rainfall and storms took over the UAE on Tuesday with work-from-home orders being issued by the government for public sector employees and schools.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) warned residents about the heavy rains that started in the early hours of the day.
Strong winds and torrential downpours were reported in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, while videos of golf ball-sized hail in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain and parts of the UAE capital also circulated online.
But what exactly caused the influx of heavy rainfall and storms?
Rain in the UAE:
Did cloud seeding cause the storms?
GRAZIA Middle East spoke to a meteorology expert from the NCM, who confirmed that cloud seeding operations had been conducted in the last 24 hours. The representative also shared details on how many of the trips took place.
“Whenever there are clouds in the sky, we conduct cloud seeding operations. From yesterday till today [Tuesday afternoon], we carried out six trips,” he said.
It was also confirmed but the representative that we will see a drop in temperatures in the UAE due to the cloud seeding.
“There is a significant decrease in temperatures today and on Wednesday, it’s a drop of around 10 degrees Celsius,” he added.
However, once the weather stabilizes, starting on Wednesday evening, the temperatures are expected to increase. Rainy conditions are expected on April 17 in the eastern and northern parts of the country, such as Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah.
What Is Cloud Seeding?
For many years the UAE has spear headed cloud seeding as a means of addressing the country’s generally dry environment, supplying extra rainfall to boost agriculture and address water security issues.
The method of seeding is intricate with a lot of research being done to determine how effective it is. However, the basic method is to attempt to produce more rain by launching salt flares or other small materials into clouds. The UAE started its seeding programmed in the 90s, and as the 2000s wore on, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) collaborated with international partners like NASA and the National Center for Atmospheric Research in the US.
According to the Minister of Climate Change of Environment, Mariam Al Mheiri, the nation’s rain enhancement initiative is essential to enhancing food and water security.    As well as replenishing groundwater reserves and driving tourism.
”Source:https://graziamagazine.com/