Effect of Gulf Countries Experiencing Their Own Deeds!: Is Artificial Rain Responsible for Dubai’s Sudden Downpour Within a Few Hours?

On the night of April 15, heavy rainfall began in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, quickly escalating into thunderstorms. The situation became so extreme that by Tuesday, a dozen cities in these countries were fully submerged.

Dubai International Airport, amidst the chaos, recorded over 6.26 inches of rainfall within the last 24 hours. According to information provided by the website ‘The Weathermen Dot Com,’ such levels of rainfall are unprecedented in the region in the past two years.

Some experts in Gulf countries attribute this extraordinary phenomenon to cloud seeding, a process involving artificial rain induction. The Associated Press reported that the Dubai government had conducted cloud seeding on Monday to bring rainfall. Shortly after, heavy rainfall and the ensuing chaos unfolded in Gulf countries.

In this story, learn what artificial rain is and how it occurs besides the monsoon?

Question 1: What is cloud seeding, which is responsible for artificial rain for the whole UAE including Gulf countries?

Answer: When natural rainfall is not occurring, cloud seeding is the technique used to induce rainfall artificially. Cloud seeding involves the introduction of chemicals such as silver iodide, potassium iodide, and dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere near clouds via helicopters or planes.

These particles attract moisture in the air, form storm clouds, and eventually result in rainfall. Artificial rain usually takes about half an hour to a couple of hours to occur.

Question 2: Has this technology been used in Dubai before?

Answer: Yes, cloud seeding was used in Dubai in July 2021 when temperatures reached 50 degrees Celsius to provide relief from the heat. This technology is also used in other countries facing adverse weather conditions. Its inception dates back to the 1990s in the UAE.

Question 3: How many countries have the technology to create artificial rain, and is it available in India too?

Answer: Yes, India also has the technology to create artificial rain. It has been used in various contexts. Besides China and the USA, approximately 60 countries worldwide have developed the technology for artificial rain.

Question 4: Apart from causing rainfall, what else does cloud seeding do?

Answer: The primary use of this technology is to mitigate natural disasters or air pollution. Sometimes, cloud seeding is also used to disperse smog around airports. The 2008 Beijing Olympics is a notable example where China used cloud seeding to ensure clear skies for the event.

According to NBC News, China employed 11,000 pieces of equipment for cloud seeding, including 6,781 rocket launchers and 4,110 artillery guns. Cloud seeding serves two main purposes – either to enhance rainfall or to create rainfall at a specific location within a day or two.

Question 5: Due to cloud seeding, has the Gulf region, including the UAE, received more rainfall?

Answer: When there is more rain than usual in a particular area, it is called cloud seeding. The amount of rainfall largely depends on how many clouds have been seeded using cloud seeding.

If overly seeded clouds are identified and then cloud seeding is conducted, it can result in cloud bursts. In such situations, it is possible that heavy rainfall occurs in Gulf countries, including the UAE.

Question 6: What is Operation Popeye by the United States, which used cloud seeding to win a war?

Answer: The United States used cloud seeding technology during the Vietnam War between 1967 and 1972. Operation Popeye was initiated by America to achieve victory in Vietnam.

Under this operation, the US conducted cloud seeding over the Ho Chi Minh trail city to induce rainfall through cloud seeding. This resulted in sudden rainfall, creating adverse conditions, causing heavy losses to the Vietnamese Army.

Heavy Rain Causes Cancellation of 45 Flights at Dubai International Airport

Due to heavy rainfall, Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports globally, experienced the cancellation of 45 flights. Gulf News reported that on Tuesday, a total of 45 flights were canceled at the airport. 

Additionally, three flights were diverted to other airports due to the adverse weather conditions.

A video showing a car submerged in water at Dubai International Airport has been shared by Al Arabiya media house…