Cloud Seeding in the UAE: Everything You Need To Know
Bazaar Arabia speaks to an expert to better understand operations carried out by the National Center of Meteorology
Cloud Seeding in the UAE: Bazaar Arabia shares everything you need To Know
Stormy weather with thunder, rain, and hail hit the UAE on the early morning of Tuesday, April 16, with residents waking up wondering if cloud seeding had anything to do with the showers.
Cloud Seeding in the UAE: Everything You Need To Know
Bazaar Arabia spoke to a meteorology expert from the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), who confirmed that throughout the past few months cloud seeding operations had been conducted.
“Monday’s [February 12] rain was enhanced by cloud seeding. On both Sunday and Monday, we conducted [cloud seeding] operations all over the UAE – we covered all areas, and 25 trips were made,” he said.
What is Cloud Seeding?
Cloud seeding is a type of weather modification that aims to change the amount or type of precipitation that falls from clouds by dispersing substances into the air that serve as cloud condensation or ice nuclei, which alter the microphysical processes within the cloud. Its effectiveness is debated; some studies have suggested that it is “difficult to show clearly that cloud seeding has a very large effect.” The usual objective is to increase precipitation (rain or snow), either for its own sake or to prevent precipitation from occurring in days afterward.
There are two main types of cloud seeding:
- Static cloud seeding: This involves dispersing silver iodide or dry ice into the air using generators on the ground or in aircraft. The silver iodide or dry ice acts as a cloud condensation nuclei, which provide a surface for water vapor to condense on and form raindrops or snowflakes.
- Dynamic cloud seeding: This involves dispersing materials into the updrafts of thunderstorms. These materials can include salt flares, pyrotechnic devices, or even liquid propane. The goal of dynamic cloud seeding is to increase the amount of precipitation that falls from the thunderstorm.
Cloud seeding is used in many countries around the world, including the United States, China, Russia, and Australia. It is used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Increasing precipitation in areas experiencing drought: Cloud seeding can be used to increase rainfall in areas that are experiencing drought. This can help to improve water supplies for agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower.
- Reducing the size of hailstones: Cloud seeding can be used to reduce the size of hailstones that form in thunderstorms. This can help to protect crops and property from hail damage.
- Suppressing fog: Cloud seeding can be used to suppress fog in and around airports. This can help to improve visibility and safety for aircraft.
- Increasing snowfall in ski resorts: Cloud seeding can be used to increase snowfall in ski resorts. This can help to extend the ski season and attract more visitors.
Cloud seeding is a complex process, and its effectiveness is still being studied. However, it is a promising tool for managing water resources and mitigating the effects of extreme weather events.
Why Do They Do Cloud Seeding in The UAE?
The UAE is a very arid country, making it one of the driest countries in the world. Water is a precious resource in the UAE, and cloud seeding is one way that the government is trying to increase the country’s water supply.
Cloud seeding is a process of dispersing small particles into the air that can act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) or ice nuclei. CCN are tiny particles that water vapour can condense on to form clouds. Ice nuclei are tiny particles that water vapour can freeze on to form ice crystals.
When clouds are seeded with CCN or ice nuclei, they can produce more rain or snow than they would naturally. This is because the CCN or ice nuclei provide more surfaces for water vapour to condense or freeze on.
The UAE has been using cloud seeding technology since the early 1990s. The NCM is responsible for the country’s cloud seeding program. The NCM uses a variety of methods to seed clouds, including aircraft-based seeding and ground-based seeding.
The NCM has said that cloud seeding can increase rainfall in the UAE by up to 30%. The NCM also says that cloud seeding can help to reduce hail damage and suppress fog.
Cloud seeding is a controversial topic, and some people have concerns about its environmental impact. However, the NCM says that cloud seeding is safe and environmentally friendly. The NCM also says that the benefits of cloud seeding outweigh the risks.
Overall, cloud seeding is a promising way for the UAE to increase its water supply and mitigate the effects of water scarcity.
Lead Image Credit: Jason Lloyd-Evans (Jil Sander S/S 2023)
This article was originally written and published on February 13, 2024. It was updated and republished on April 16, 2024.