Cloud seeding technology has been around for many decades, but it remains controversial, especially after a devastating flood in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Media reports have linked the floods to cloud seeding operations conducted by Dubai to address its water needs. Experts confirmed that cloud seeding was carried out in the days leading up to the heavy rainfall, but authorities did not conduct seeding on the day the storm hit.
The UAE, particularly Dubai, experienced severe flooding with schools closing, metro services disrupted, and even fatalities reported. The storm was attributed to three low-pressure systems that created major storms moving towards the Persian Gulf. Climate scientists believe that human-caused climate change played a role in the intensity of the rainfall.
Although cloud seeding technology is designed to enhance rainfall by introducing particles into clouds, its impact is limited. Research shows that while cloud seeding may contribute to increased rainfall, it cannot create rain out of clear skies. The UAE has been using cloud seeding technology since 2002, but experts believe that the recent flood disaster was not caused by faulty seeding operations.
In the context of climate change, cities like Dubai are vulnerable to flooding due to inadequate infrastructure to handle excessive rainfall. Urban areas need to be redesigned to adapt to changing climatic conditions. The recent floods in Dubai serve as a wake-up call for the need to rethink city planning in the face of increasing extreme weather events. Cloud seeding technology is just one small piece of the puzzle in addressing water needs and managing weather patterns.