Unusually wet across the Persian Gulf States. by Steph Ball
Heavy rains and thunderstorms have been affecting parts of the Gulf States over the last week. This has added to heavy rain already experienced earlier in December with parts of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates already far outstripping their average December rainfall.
Sharjah seems to have bared the brunt of the bad weather across the United Arab Emirates, recording the highest rainfall with 130mm so far this month
( average 36mm ). Dubai too has exceeded its average December rainfall with 60mm totted up so far.
According to the Ministry of Environment and Water (MEW), the heavy rains which have affected the United Arab Emirates are said to be the highest in a decade. The highest daily rain fell on the 12th December with 60mm reported. Some areas experienced severe flooding; especially low lying ones where the drainage systems were unable to cope. The country’s reservoirs are said to be full to the brim.
Qatar too has recorded its highest December rainfall since 1964, with more than 30mm reported so far ( average 13mm ). After Doha residents woke to another day of heavy rain on Saturday, the Qatar Meteorological Department are speculating that it could end up being their wettest year on record. Heavy rain also bought chaos at the opening of the Asian games earlier this month.
The recent wet weather has prompted the Qatar Traffic Department to advise motorists on the appropriate steps to be taken to avoid skidding on wet roads and to remain in control of their vehicles.
Torrential rain has also been reported over the past 2 days in Saudi Arabia and Iran. In the 24 hours up to 12:00GMT on Saturday, King Khaled International Airport in Saudi Arabia reported 117mm. There have also been reports of over 300mm in parts of Iran. More rain is expected across the Gulf into early next week.
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