Over 100 cloud seeding flights conducted in UAE this year to boost rainfall: report

The UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) conducted more than 100 cloud seeding operations this year in an effort to boost rainfall in the region.

Despite these efforts, the UAE has experienced a notable decline in precipitation, with this winter being especially dry compared to previous years, Khaleej Timesreported.

Since January, the NCM has conducted a total of 110 flights designed to enhance rainfall, but the winter season has been marked by unusually low rainfall levels across the country. The largest amount of rainfall recorded so far was 20.1mm at Ras Al Khaimah's Jebel Jais on January 14, a far cry from the heavier downpours experienced in previous years.

Hygroscopic flares are attached to an aircraft during a cloud seeding flight operated by the National Center of Meteorology, between Al Ain and Al Hayer, in United Arab Emirates, August 24, 2022.Reuters

The UAE continues to lead in cloud seeding technology in the Gulf, utilizing advanced radar systems and specialized aircraft equipped with salt flares to trigger cloud condensation and increase rainfall.

The NCM has six dedicated aircraft, which are carefully directed to areas where cloud seeding is most likely to succeed.

A notable contrast, as per the report, has been seen between this winter and 2024, which saw heavy rainfall replenishing groundwater reserves. The dry conditions this year are largely attributed to the impact of La Niña, which strengthens high-pressure systems over the region and prevents the arrival of rain-bringing low-pressure systems.

In a striking example of the region's rainfall variability, April saw a single-day record of 254.8mm at the 'Khatm Al Shaqala' station, underscoring the unpredictability of precipitation patterns in the UAE.