Cloud seeding technology has been in use for several decades, but it remains a controversial topic in the weather community. After a catastrophic flood hit the United Arab Emirates (UAE), many media outlets blamed cloud seeding operations conducted by Dubai as the potential cause of the flooding. However, experts from the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) stated that cloud seeding operations were carried out a few days before heavy rainfall.
The effects of the flooding were widespread, with schools closing, underground car parks being flooded, and transportation services being disrupted. The Dubai International Airport faced severe operational impacts, with flights being diverted or delayed by several hours. Similar flooding also affected the capital city of Abu Dhabi, and a tragic incident resulted in the death of a man in Ras Al Khaimah due to flash floods.
Meteorologists and climate scientists emphasized the role of human-caused climate change in heavy rainfall. Although cloud seeding technology was brought into discussion, experts pointed out that it had limitations and may not have played a significant role in UAE flooding. The method of introducing particles into clouds to promote rain has been used since the 1940s, with Dubai employing this technology since 2002. While it may increase rainfall to some extent, its overall effect is small compared to other factors such as climate change and extreme weather events like storm convergence that generate intense storms.
Despite controversies surrounding cloud seeding technology’s effectiveness within the scientific community, adapting urban infrastructure to climate change becomes more evident as cities like Dubai face challenges related to excessive rainfall. The recent flooding event highlights how vulnerable cities are to extreme weather events and how crucial creating resilient infrastructure is for mitigating their impacts.
In conclusion, while cloud seeding technology may have some role in influencing rainfall, it is not a comprehensive solution to address climate change’s impacts on urban areas. As such, cities must adapt their infrastructure and create resilient solutions to cope with extreme weather events caused by human-caused climate change.