What's behind Dubai's heavy rainfall? Examining Science, controversy of cloud seeding

Dubai, known for its arid climate and scorching temperatures, faced an unusual situation as heavy rainfall inundated the city, bringing life to a standstill. Roads, residential areas, and commercial hubs were submerged, while even operations at Dubai Airport were temporarily halted. But amidst the chaos, one question arises: How does Dubai manage to conjure rain in such a parched environment?

What is cloud seeding?

Cloud seeding, a technique employed by Dubai and other regions facing water scarcity, is at the heart of this meteorological marvel. In a viral video shared by popular YouTuber Nas Daily, the process is demystified. The National Center of Meteorology in Dubai plays a pivotal role, where experts monitor the skies for potential rain clouds. Once identified, specially designed nanosalt particles are dispersed into the clouds via aircraft. These particles serve as nuclei around which moisture can condense, eventually leading to precipitation.

Watch the video of here: 

What are its challenges?

Despite its innovative approach, cloud seeding is not without its complexities. While it has proven effective in augmenting rainfall in certain conditions, its efficacy remains debated in other scenarios. Critics argue that cloud seeding may not reliably produce rain in flat terrain or during periods of severe drought. Moreover, some view it as a tool susceptible to political manipulation rather than a sustainable solution to water scarcity.

Scary Dubai Visuals⚡️⛈️

Artificial Rain via ‘Cloud Seeding’ created havoc in entire Dubai. pic.twitter.com/VEYMKuklWR

— Avijeet |Content & Growth Consultant 🚀|UPSC Talk (@avijeet_writes) April 17, 2024

Scientific insights

However, there are notable success stories associated with cloud seeding. Long-term operations in various regions, including the Nevada mountains in the United States and the Snowy Mountains of Australia, have yielded promising results. Data from the Desert Research Institute indicates a significant enhancement of snowpack by approximately 10% annually in targeted areas. These findings underscore the potential of cloud seeding as a supplementary measure in water resource management.